Chartwell to Chartwell with Winston

[Mad Manny]

So 7 Landy enthusiasts, including our very own AllyG (in the Pink Landy) are doing a trip from Chartwell in Fourways to Chartwell in the UK.

This Thread covers that historic trip (Currently underway)...

Background:


Meet the autObarn team of 7 and their classic Land Rovers on the c2c Chartwell RSA to Chartwell UK exhibition

02 August 2022

From South Africa up the African continent, destination Chartwell House Winston Churchill’s home in the UK. To return the Land Rover ‘Winston’ to the UK, the original home of Land Rover, an experienced team of seven drivers in classic dated models will travel over 20 000km in 3 months crossing 3 Continents, 20 Countries and meeting and collaborating with many communities on route.

‘The autObarn Chartwell 2 Chartwell’ Land Rover Mission was created by Robert Eriksen Miller & Mark McClue, lifelong Land Rover drivers and adventurers both enthusiastic about the youth and the environment. Finding a Land Rover in the Cradle of Humankind, restoring it in Chartwell SA, and re-naming it, Winston, gave birth to Rob’s idea to drive across Africa to Chartwell House, the ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill in the UK. Like all good things, the idea developed to have a series of heritage Land Rovers join the mission as a team and tribute to the leading role Land Rover has served over time and why many pursue such ventures in life and business.

Specific themes for this autObarn mission focus on identifying the critical needs of Food and Water within African communities in line with Sustainable Development Goals. “This is the first of five planned autObarn c2c missions envisioned to take place by 2030 as part of our support for Africa and working with the youth," said c2c spokesperson Mark McClue.

The colourful autObarn c2c team and their much-loved Land Rovers were all established, and the planning started for the autObarn c2c trip. Now well on its way up the African continent and currently in Malawi after being on route for 15 days.

The team and their classic Land Rovers

Rob Eriksen

Rob Eriksen-Miller, also a co-founder of the autObarn c2c trip. Age 54, a Land Rover workshop owner and has been involved in Land Rovers for 31 years and is driving Winston the star of the exhibition. Winston is a 1982 series 3 model, with the mileage being just under 79 000 miles. Finding this Land Rover in the Cradle of Humankind, restoring it in Chartwell SA, and re-naming it, Winston, gave birth to Rob’s idea to drive across Africa to Chartwell House, the ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill in the UK and original home country of this famous brand.

Mark McClue

Mark McClue, age 52, is an entrepreneur based in Chartwell, involved in water and waste management, and co-founder of Armour, he is driving Jan Smuts. Jan smuts was found on a farm and offered to Rob for sale. Rob bought Jan Smuts in a derelict state on 21 January, had it towed into the workshop, and started the rebuild. The paperwork says it is a 1969 model, but it is a 1967 model. The true mileage is also unfortunately unknown.

Alison Grunewald

Alison Grunewald, nicknamed Alley, is a 53-year-old self-employed photographer. She bought her 2000 110 TD5 in 2015 along with her life partner Allan Smith, they did many amazing trips to Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia to name a few places. Unfortunately, Allan died on 21 December 2018, and Alley’s world came to a grinding halt. After Allan passed away, Alley decided to go ahead with her trips. She had the engine rebuilt and drove 9000kms on her first trip without Allan, her motto was "I am a strong independent woman". it was on this trip she decided she needed a pink Land Rover and resprayed it. During covid and lockdown, Alley had her vehicle stripped down and rebuilt. Her defender has many extras for over landing and 4x4ing. She has a 2-inch lift, tyre spacers, a water tank, an extra fuel tank, roof rack with rooftop tent, 70" ostrich awning, ARB compressor, and rear locker and a fitted VHF radio, a Warne winch to name but a few accessories. Her current mileage is 301 989kms.

Stephen Leif Dahl

Stephen Leif Dahl age 59, is a farmer based in the North coast, he is driving Sir Bhejane named after Steve’s' wife’s conservation effort, Bhejane means Rhino. After serving in the police in what was then called Rhodesia, it then became a farm vehicle. It started its police service in 1958. The vehicle was restored by Louis Powell, who is a legendary Land Rover enthusiast and expert based in KZN. Sir Bhejane is a 1958 88-inch Series 1, the mileage is unknown. After Rhodesia, the vehicle went to a Free State farmer and from there bought by an eccentric Scotsman from Eshowe who reluctantly sold it to the local doctor who again then reluctantly sold it on to Steve. Steve has a co-driver and good friend joining him in Jinja for part of the trip. His wife, Haley will be joining him in Turkey for the balance of the trip.

Mike Eriksen-Miller

Mike Eriksen-Miller aged 62 is a jewellery wholesaler based in Bryanston and has been in the business for 40 years. He became a Land Rover enthusiast through his brother who gave him a vehicle so he could get involved in 4x4s. The deal was to rebuild it and sell it to buy a Land Rover to be part of the team. His first Landy was a BDF 110, he now has a stable of 7 Land Rovers across the range. He is driving Thomas who has been around the family since brand new at Waterford Land Rover. Mike is the third owner of Thomas it is a 1998 300TDI 90 short wheelbase. He has done several defender Trophies and it has also been the vehicle that his children all learned to drive in, its current mileage is 270 O00kms.

Trevor Stiebel

Trevor Stiebel nicknamed Tree is a 45-year-old auctioneer at auction Pro based in Fourways. He used to be a logger hence the nickname Tree. Trevor is accompanied by his wife Helen, their disabled son, Kyle, and his carer Tim. Kyle and Tim will not be doing the whole trip but leaving at some point. The Stiebel family would like Kyle to be an example to show others that being disabled should not prevent you from being excluded from all sorts of activities and to show others this can be done and how much enjoyment Kyle gets from this. Obviously, there are some challenges ahead especially now that Kyle is larger and heavier. So, they are trying to raise money to enable them to continue with Kyle’s adventures and to help others who are disabled to be able to participate and enjoy the same experiences. Tree is driving the 1970 Land Rover Forward Control series llB named Rocinante which is Spanish and was Don Coyote’s trusted stead. She has been retrofitted with a 300Tdi engine and R380 gearbox making her a permanent 4-wheel drive. She does 6kms to a litre fully loaded and her kilometres are unknown. She has 6 Gerry cans mounted, spotlights, a high lift jack, a 4 and a half Ton winch, a vice, 2 spare wheels, and a roof rack and solar panel fitted.

Rick Currie Series

A 76-year-old semi-retired property valuer and Chartwell resident, he is doing the trip for many reasons as he wants to visit his son and friends in the UK and the challenge will be exciting and educational. He is very keen to see Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. He has owned his 107-station wagon for over 20 years. A 1956 model, the vehicle has had an adventurous life having been hit by a bus in the Mikumi National Park in Tanzania in 2004. Although a technical write-off he followed the policy of the USA military of never leaving wounded in enemy territory, he went up with a 4-wheel flatbed trailer and brought the old Landy back to Joburg. It took a long 10 years to repair. Much of the body had to be replaced with spares found in many places including the firewall in Zimbabwe. The vehicle was stripped down completely. It is now in excellent shape. He has done many wonderful trips; the plan is to sell it in the UK. He has covered 5700 km since he left Joburg. He plans to leave Mombasa to the Amboseli Park and meet up with the team for the rest of the trip.

The team are well into their 2nd week and crossing into Malawi with all vehicles performing well, and not missing a beat.

Interested parties wanting to support this mission can contact info@c2cMissions.org or Alley Grunewald alley@lantic.net mobile 083 628 5529 or Mark McClue on Mark.16boxes@gmail.com mobile 081 262 9505 or Andre Marich on Andre@urupconnect.com mobile 078 435 0634

[Mad Manny]

Alison Grunewald and her unique pink autObarn Land Rover is the sole female driver to tackle the tough autObarn “Chartwell 2 Chartwell” Land Rover trip. From Chartwell, South Africa up the African continent, to Europe followed by the destination Chartwell UK the home of Sir Winston Churchill.

Grunewald and her Pink Landy joined a team of seven drivers in classic dated Land Rover models to travel over 20 000km in the next 3 months crossing 3 Continents, and 20 Countries – They departed this month - July.

Single mom Alison nicknamed Alley says she is just one of the boys, she is no stranger to the outdoors, adventure, and tough 4x4 driving where she matches up to the guys. “I am a creative person with positive, enthusiastic energy and a strong independent woman, 4x4 enthusiast, nature lover, and outdoor girl, who enjoys collaborating with people and creating lasting relationships I am also a very capable photographer,” said Alley Grunewald.
Alley has been on an episode of "Off Course 4x4" and has done several overland trips. She is an avid traveller having been to India, Vietnam, Australia, Greece, Turkey, UK, USA, and locally Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique, and is no stranger to Africa. She is also a long-term member of the Land Rover Owners Club, the 4x4 Action Group, and For the Thrills operation. She has owned and started numerous successful businesses and currently runs her photographic company. Alley will be doing ongoing progress reports for autObarn for the full duration of the event.

One part of the autObarn c2c22 mission is to return the Land Rover ‘Winston’ to the UK, the home of Land Rover. Winston, the name given to this classic Landy was found and restored by the event organizers in the Cradle of Humankind. The main part of the mission up Africa is to focus on identifying the critical needs of Food and Water within African communities in line with Sustainable Development Goals. This is the first of five missions envisioned to take place by 2030 as part of our support for Africa and working with the youth.
Like all good things, the idea developed to have a series of heritage Land Rovers join the mission as a team and tribute to the leading role Land Rover has served over time and why many pursue such ventures in life and business.

The c2c22 Mission sponsored by Autobarn, Sabat, Castrol Fragram, Phillips and Wynn’s is seen to address this, a Mission with Africa and Europe having over one billion youth under thirty-five this represents a massive need, and yet like all challenges an opportunity at the same time. c2c Missions was formed as a non-profit organization to serve missions that link Continents, Countries, and Communities together enlisting participants in roles such as mechanics, drivers, cooks, technology, or media that each embrace 'The Sense of Adventure' as a Culture to enjoy and learn from. Empowering & enriching youth that earns their way onto a c2c Mission from communities and benefit through experiences outside their normal surroundings, meeting and learning from other cultures towards achieving the c2c vision. The purpose is to enable the 2030 generation. The c2c mission aims to use these experiences to develop opportunities for the youth within Sustainable Environments and prepare leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs of the 2030 generation. “We engage with organizations such as Rotary International and private sector business supporting communities to enable research and trade missions aligned with agreements between Africa, Europe, and the UK and to encourage trade, tourism, and sustainable growth,” said a c2c spokesperson.

“We see this partnership with c2c as an opportunity and great promotion for our brands an exciting program with promotional legs, combining several social responsibilities and activities on route. The team is looking at similar events and missions following this event going forward,” said Terry Brand MD of autObarn SA. “autObarn will manage all the automotive sponsorships for this event along with our blue-chip suppliers Sabat, Castrol, Fragram, Philips. and Wynn’s. We are also looking at assisting the Breast Cancer Association to build awareness for them,” said Brand.

Interested parties wanting to support this mission can contact info@c2cMissions.org or Alley Grunewald alley@lantic.net mobile 083 628 5529 or Mark McClue on Mark.16boxes@gmail.com mobile 081 262 9505 or Andre Marich at Andre@urupconnect.com; mobile 078 435 0634

For more information call Automotive Brands SA / autObarn SA on 011 477 3612, or e-mail Damian Bisschoff on damian@automotivebrandssa.co.za
Suppliers and trade enquiries are welcome.
Released by autObarn SA, by Digger Marketing 083 449 5589

[jakeslouw]

"...........the 1970 Land Rover Forward Control series llB ........... She has been retrofitted with a 300Tdi engine and R380 gearbox making her a permanent 4-wheel drive."

My dream vehicle.

[Ricof4e]

Very cool.

Keep us updated.

[Mad Manny]

Digby Wesson sends me a mail nearly every day, but most of it is repetitive Marketing Promotional stuff.
I've asked Alley for trip reports rather.

[Mad Manny]

Our Ally on the Equator...

[Mad Manny]

Latest from Digby...

Four weeks - Stage 2 of the c2c22 mission – Chartwell SA to Chartwell UK – Distance travelled 8000kms August 11th.
Report and copy by autObarn, the automotive sponsor.

After some interaction/social work with local villages on route the team went on to Entebbe, central Uganda to service and repair their vehicles after several incidents.

The team overnighted at a small village in Jinja, on the sports field of a local school just inside Uganda. The next morning, they introduced the c2c mission team and donated towards sports equipment for the school’s soccer and netball teams. Afterward, the children gave the c2c team demonstration matches. Then it was onto Entebbe where all necessary work on the vehicles was to take place. It was a big thanks to Simon from Protea Hotels, a co-sponsor who managed to get all the parts in express air freight to Entebbe, he also helped with the loan of the warehouse workshop.

Winston, the key player in the c2c mission needed suspension replacement and a new alternator. Jan Smuts needed a new inside shaft and complete gearbox overall, both the Pink Landy, Jan Smuts, and the Land Rover Forward Control series llB Rocinante, needed some suspension replacements, With Thomas having some major repairs to the differential.

“It was a suitable time to give all the vehicles a good service. Filters, lubricants, plugs, and a full greasing as well as a charge all the batteries,” said Alley Grünewald. With me learning a lot from the guys and breaking fingernails in the process. This sort of work and running repairs are expected on these older high mileage Land Rovers,” said Grünewald

Incidents on route that were promptly sorted out were, Alley a radiator hose, Rob with carburettor problems, this vehicle was towed the last 100km by Mike and a new carburettor was bought. Hein had a radiator leak in Jan Smuts which was repaired at the roadside with Wynns Radiator Stop Leak he also had a gear sticking problem, which needed oil. No points for this one, Mike put diesel into a patrol car and put brake fluid into power steering which was then syphoned out.

Alley hit a pothole in Lusaka buckling a rim, the tyre was changed at the roadside. Mark had petrol flow problems which Rob sorted out. They then went on a pass with very sharp turns, many potholes, and steep declines, Tree’s brakes started overheating on the descent.

The Forward control top heavy Landy gets stuck on the road and tipped over onto its side, damaging its steering rod, the team managed to winch it upright and do temporary repairs, further repairs were done in Mbeya with help from locals, but it did not end there it also had a blowout. Repairs saw the high lift jack bend while changing a wheel. A local truck driver assisted with his jack, and they were able to change the wheel. All the damaged parts were then replaced at the major pit stop in Uganda.

Alley and the Stiebels missed a turning to Kabinga and drove approximately 2 and a half hours longer on a bad dirt road. Later the team also had to drive on a similarly bad dirt road under construction for about 300kms. The Forward Control behind the group hit a bump which caused the steering rod to break again, it veered into a steep roadside ditch and tipped onto its side. No one was injured bar a few scrapes and bruises, but there was severe damage to the diff swivel, and the bolts sheared off, resulting in a differential broken at the flange. Help from locals and a construction safety officer who organised a crane truck to pull the vehicle upright. Other vehicles were too far ahead to return in the dark. After attempting to do repairs until after midnight, the Stiebels spend the night at the safety officer’s home. A guard was left to look after the vehicle. In the morning, the rest of the team returned. Alley took Kyle and Helen back to camp and then the team did temporary repairs. Forward control limped back to camp late that night driving 17kms per hour.
Further repairs to Forward Control and welding were done by a local mechanic enabling the Forward Control to move. Trevor, Rob, Mike, and Mark take the shortest route up the western side of Lake Victoria to Entebbe for repairs and maintenance. Alley, Helen, Dylan, and Kyle headed for Kigali Rwanda to fly Kyle home and keep a pre-paid appointment with the gorillas.

‘’These sort of repairs and replacement parts are expected on any trip up Africa” said Terry Brand MD of autObarn and automotive sponsor for the c2c mission. “It is also exceptionally good that the Land Rover parts for these older models are freely available.”

Borders crossed to date were Botswana Groblersbrug/Martins Drift which took 1 hour, followed by Botswana/Zambia at Kazungula talking 4 hours, Zambia/ Malawi at Mchinji 2 hours, Malawi/Tanzania at Kasumuku 4 hours, Tanzania/Rwanda at Rusumo an hour, and Rwanda/Uganda at Cyanika another hour.
The next stage is beautiful Kenya, Lake Baringo and Menegai, then onto Ethiopia via Lalibela and Danakil then onto Djibouti and Turkey.

Report and copy by Autobarn
Interested parties wanting to support this mission can contact info@c2cMissions.org or Alley Grunewald alley@lantic.net mobile 083 628 5529 or Mark McClue on Mark.16boxes@gmail.com mobile 081 262 9505 or Andre Marich on Andre@urupconnect.com; mobile 078 435 0634

For more information call Autobarn on 011 477 3612, or e-mail Damian Bisschoff at damian@automotivebrandssa.co.za, Supplier, and trade enquiries are welcome. Released for Autobarn, by Digger Marketing 083 449 5589

[Mad Manny]

Latest Report from Digby...

Five weeks - Stage 3 of the c2c22 mission – Chartwell SA to Chartwell UK – Distance travelled 8600kms August 22nd. - Djibouti East Africa
Report and copy by autObarn, the automotive sponsor.

An exciting week for the team, great scenery, a Gorilla trip, bad roads, the team temporarily splits up, no major vehicle problems, and a strange encounter with a local Askari.

Part of the team is currently in Djibouti East Africa on the horn of Africa the rest were stuck at the wind farm across the border when one of the older Landies had some clutch and radiator problems and they had to fly in a new radiator to the wind farm.

The team made good progress this last week with no major vehicle incidents, splitting up temporary to tackle different routes, visiting some of the most scenic terrain and countryside to date, stopping in at the famous Gorilla Park, and experiencing some of the worst roads and tracks which was a huge challenge for the teams Land Rovers. They spent some time at one of the most beautiful lakes where they had a day swimming and washing keeping an eye out for the crocs, hippos, and other wild animals.

In one area there was nowhere to stay so they camped by the roadside, there was also a technical problem with one of the Landies. With the help of a local, it was towed to one of the largest wind farms and loaned their workshop to repair the vehicle, and fly in parts, while they were allowed to camp safely on their property. Locals to date have been extremely friendly and helpful.

The biggest problem so far was from Alley when she announced that she has not washed her hair for 5 weeks, the team is now in DJIBOUTI East Africa on the Horn of Africa its then onto Turkey, Antalya, and Istanbul.

“A strange encounter with a self-appointed askari who was galloping down the road at full tilt with his torch. We couldn't believe our eyes! He didn't seem the slightest bit perturbed or out of breath and proceeded to help us find a good camping spot and make a fire,” said Trevor Stiebel’s wife, Helen. "He didn't speak a word of English, in fact, he was totally silent, but he had the most expressive sign language I have ever seen. He told us that the spot we were in was not safe for camping and that we should continue further down the road, which we did, stopping occasionally to look at prospective campsites.”
“After a double helping of Steve's gourmet rice and sausage hot pot, he settled down in the sand with a log as a pillow, covered himself with his kaross, and went to sleep. In the morning we drank coffee together and he graciously allowed us to take some photographs of him. There was then more intense sign language communication from which we deduced that Alley's beautiful face was causing great emotions in his heart but that he really needed to go home to his family!"
“The second part was a little less clear, we were either in danger of some local tribe killing us and roasting us on the fire, or he wanted to go and kill an animal and roast it on the fire for us. We decided both options were probably best avoided, and we said our farewells. In all this time he never uttered a word, all his communication was done with hands, actions, and facial expressions,” said Helen Stiebel Helen.

Report and copy by Autobarn
Interested parties wanting to support this mission can contact info@c2cMissions.org or Alley Grunewald alley@lantic.net mobile 083 628 5529 or Mark McClue on Mark.16boxes@gmail.com mobile 081 262 9505 or Andre Marich on Andre@urupconnect.com; mobile 078 435 0634

For more information call Autobarn on 011 477 3612, or e-mail Damian Bisschoff at damian@automotivebrandssa.co.za, Supplier, and trade enquiries are welcome. Released for Autobarn, by Digger Marketing 083 449 5589

[grahamrob]

Latest Report from Digby...

....and fly in parts.....

These landys are going to be brand new from top to bottom by the time they reach their destination!

Thanks for the updates, interesting reading

[Mad Manny]

Stolen of Alison's FB page.

Alison Grünewald is in Ethiopia.
ndteospSrocc189cf9mgh18m5912c707361501c5lmhl0685mtf0860ag96t ·
Wow, driving through the Oromia region in Ethiopia with its magnificent views and scenery is breathtaking! We drove the steepest and longest pass we have ever driven. Driving up and down the pass took a few hours, and we had to stop every now and again to let some of the vehicles cool down. Definitely well with it.

It's a pity they haven't made a better effort of keeping everyone updated...

[Mad Manny]

Tuesday 30 August - from Digby...

Week 6, end of stage 2 of the c2c22 mission – Chartwell SA to Chartwell UK – Distance travelled approximately 9000kms, August 26th Currently in Djibouti East Africa

Report and copy by autObarn, the automotive sponsor.

Day 55 and the team of 7 Land Rovers are all now in Djibouti arranging for a boat to transport them across the Red Sea to the Arabia coast, to Jedda, Saudi Arabia and the long haul through Arabia and Turkey.

The complete team and all seven Land Rovers are now in Djibouti, planning with MEC for a suitable boat to carry all the vehicles across the Red Sea to the Arabia mainland. There was a huge choice of boats and ships in the remarkably busy harbour getting a safe one with easy loading and off loading at the right price was the mission. Once across it is then picking the long route through all the selected Arabic countries and onto Turkey. By rights, the terrain and conditions should be a lot easier than in Africa and going east into Europe.

“The Kenyan Wind Farm was the most spectacular site we experienced a total number of 365 massive turbines on the shores of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya. Crossing into Arabia we do not have much to say on where in Arabia the boat will take us as we must get to Jedda then Saudi
And the long hoy trip up Arabia into Turkey another tough trip to Istanbul,” said Alley Grunewald, one of the female drivers on the trip. The team is all in good health other than the complaints of the huge cost of food and beer in French-influenced Djibouti.” All seven vehicles have been checked and serviced and are still strong thanks to the team, their sponsor autObarn with the onboard spares, tools, and equipment, Fragram Tools, Wynn's, Philips Automotive Lighting, Sabat Batteries, and Castrol operations have supported us all the way up Africa and were great hosts. The team also had a few costly parties in Djibouti to celebrate the progress to date,” said Grunewald.

Going back to the spectacular Kenya Wild Farm at Lake Turkana, where they were based and looked after by the management at the wild farm, repairing and servicing their vehicles. Kenya has built the largest wind farm in Africa, the Lake Turkana Wind Power consortium (LTWP), which aims to provide 300 MW of low-cost electrical power. With a projected cost of US$800 million, it would be the largest single private investment in Kenya's history.
The sprawling wind farm of 365 turbines on the shores of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya was built and created to boost the nation's electricity supply.

Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa, is a mostly French and Arabic-speaking country of dry shrublands, volcanic formations, and Gulf of Aden beaches. It is home to one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, the low-lying Lake Assal, in the Danakil Desert. The nomadic Afar people have settlements along Lake Abbe, a body of saltwater featuring chimney-like mineral formations.
Report and copy by Autobarn
Interested parties wanting to support this mission can contact info@c2cMissions.org or Alley Grunewald alley@lantic.net mobile 083 628 5529 or Mark McClue on Mark.16boxes@gmail.com mobile 081 262 9505 or Andre Marich on Andre@urupconnect.com; mobile 078 435 0634

For more information call Autobarn on 011 477 3612, or e-mail Damian Bisschoff at damian@automotivebrandssa.co.za, Supplier, and trade enquiries are welcome. Released for Autobarn, by Digger Marketing 083 449 5589