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History of Much Marcle Garage.. For those interested.

The building now known as Much Marcle Garage began life as a World War One aircraft hanger, at Aston Down near Minchinhampton in Gloucestershire. The airfield had been constructed in late 1917 as No.1 station for the Australian Flying Corps, and became one of the AFC's main training bases in the UK during the latter part of the conflict. A number of squadrons were stationed at Aston Down during the last two years of the war, and by mid-1918 it housed up to 50 or 60 aircraft, training pilots who replaced those lost and injured in the intense battles the AFC fought over France. At the end of the war, the need for pilot training disappeared and, as the Australians were understandably keen to move home, the training units on the site were disbanded in May and June 1919. In 1920, the airfield was sold off, and the site was gradually cleared, as it reverted to agricultural land in the inter-war years.

In circa 1926, one of the aircraft hangars from Aston Down was purchased by the long-established Westons Cider company of Ledbury, in Herefordshire, and removed to Much Marcle to provide a suitable building for a garage and service station for Westons' new fleet of motor delivery vehicles, which were taking over from the traditional horse-drawn dray. The building was provided with offices to either side of a central entrance to the main elevation, with inserted timber windows, and a large 'GARAGE' sign attached to the roof, together with elaborate wrought-iron brackets for lamps. Petrol pumps were placed on the forecourt and an historic photograph, apparently taken soon after the business was begun, shows Westons' Garage and Service Depot, proudly declaring itself "Officially AA Approved".

Although the business is no longer owned by Westons, since that time, the building has been little altered: a lean-to extension has been added to the west, and the sign has been removed from the roof; the petrol pumps were removed during the later C20; and the signs to the main elevation have been repainted to reflect the changing names of the business. It continues in use as a service station, served well by the inherent flexibility of the original structure.

Well I never.. brilliant piece of history there Steve and the pic of the Healey out front is great.

And the Morgan finally got a fair run today, the first decent bit of exercise since mid-December. 108 mile round trip from Vienna to Dürnstein and back. Lunch in the old Wine Press in Dürnstein. Old as in 15th century. On board for the trip an old mate, not seen for 20 years, from Australia. Much talk of cars, wives, ex-wives, girlfriends, planes, and plans for the future. The Mog running sweetly and the air rather fresh.

Took the Mog out yesterday. God I love this car, what an angry beast it is. Cannot believe I wasted time owning lesser cars in the past. Thing is, I want to drive it every day now.. One thing I've noticed, it definitely likes a drink!!!

Great pic Steve - and wonderful history of the garage.

Very interesting history. Passed it many times without a second glance. Thanks for the info Steve.

Thanks Steve that was fascinating

you are all welcome, I too have driven by it many times and thought it looked like a garage should, very English and old school. I quite expected mechanics in brown overalls with pipes,oily rag in hand and a 3/8 whitworth spanner in their top pockets. I guess the reality is very different though.

I don't think anyone has put a photo book together of all the old garages around the UK, would be worth doing before they disappear completely. Hmmm..

Too true we still have the pumps from one in Great Missenden High St opposite the Roald Dahl museum.

Gorgeous looking car Bruce! Enjoy...

Bruce, anything with 370 odd bhp and a driver up for a bit of fun will drink...
You are right about "lesser cars"...for the money a Morgan sits at the top of the tree... Sure, spend vastly more and perhaps you can better the combination of performance, fun and charm, but I'm not 100% sure...

Tarka and the AMG C43 have similar bhp, but Tarka is 400kg lighter so a tiny little bit less of a dipso....but not much.