For those that were unable to make the drive, it was a great day for a Sunday afternoon tour. A small band of us met at the Hamsterly Beach Parking area and left for a leisurely drive on the Saanich Peninsula. Completing the one-hour drive in a busy Sidney, we arrived at the Small Gods Brewing on the corner of 3^rd St and Sidney Ave. As it was a nice afternoon, we all sat outside and enjoyed a glass of the Brewing House’s finest with our food. Here are a couple of photos – Not AI enhanced either.

Richard set up an impromptu ice cream run on Wednesday, 30 July 2025. It was a beautiful evening to do the drive. We met at the Tim Horton area of the Save-on-Foods (Blanchard St (Hwy17 and Ravine Way; across from Uptown Shopping Centre in Victoria) around 6:30 pm-ish and started the drive at 6:45pm-ish. After a nice drive through Oak Bay and along the waterfront, we parked and enjoyed ice cream at the Beacon Drive in Restaurant. Here are a few photos:

Hi,

Once again, the Brits on the Beach event hosted by the Old English Car Club has come and gone for 2025. It was a very warm day for Brits on the Beach in Ladysmith BC with attendees from many places on the Mainland and Island(s).  We met at Tim Hortons on Sunday and convoyed up to Ladysmith. A small group of Minis and a MG midget left Langford and had two more MINIs join the convoy in Duncan.  It was a terrific drive that was done in a leisurely manner leaving at 7:45am and arriving at 8:45am-ish.  Although not quite as many cars as there have been in previous years (probably due to the extra warm day), there were several rare and high-quality vehicles in attendance. Both the attendees and the public enjoyed their time looking at the cars and asking many questions about them. Unfortunately, there are no photos for posting of the event.
See you at the next event!

Terry (aka Da Prez!)

It was a nice day for the Father’s Day Picnic at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, British Columbia. A good number of British vehicles on show made this event a successful one. As you can see by the photos, we had a good turnout of Minis/MINIs representing the Club and friends to celebrate this important day. As well, it was great that a few of the Club’s Alumni dropped by to chat with current members.

The next event is Brits on the Beach being held 13 July 2025 from 10am-3pm at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith BC. If you are interested email victoriaminisclub@gmail.com . Standby for more details in the near future for the rendezvous and departure location of the group travelling from Victoria.

Below are a few photos for you to enjoy.

It was a fine day for the Fair and Swap Meet at Heritage Acres. Several Minis/MINIs turned out in support of this event. We all were accommodated at Heritage Acres by the Old English Car Club (Southern Branch) in a great location across from the Old School House. Many visitors took the time to admire, ask questions, and take the opportunity to be able to sit in a Mini/MINI. Some of us found treasures and others, well … not so much. However, everyone did enjoy themselves and were able to take full advantage of the fine weather.

First, I would like to thank Richard for setting up a wonderful drive and visit to the BC Air Museum. Also, thanks to Mike for his contribution of photos taken on the Club’s website and Facebook page. It was a great drive and visit to the British Columbia Air Museum located by the Victoria International Airport. We departed from Island View Beach around 9:30-ish and began the recalculated planned route. Why “recalculated” you may have asked yourself? It was the result of the Iron Man Race taking place at the same time. Richard adeptly resolved the issue and adjusted the route, so it had the minimum of interaction with the race route. After a fun drive, we arrived at the Museum and stood back as an array of cars attending the Vancouver Island Studebaker Drivers Club 2025 Pacific Can-Am Zone, Northwest Overdrive drove onto the site. That just goes to show you never know what you may encounter on our drives. After the drive, our group headed for a wonderful meal at Mary’s Bleue Moon Cafe for an enjoyable meal. All in all, it was a great time had by all.

Next Event is the 18TH Annual British Car Restoration Fair & Swap Meet – Sunday June 8TH 2025 10AM – 3PM Rain or Shine

7321 Lochside Drive, Saanichton. Don’t forget the Club’s Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/772464342915077/ as well.

What a perfect day for a Sunday drive! Richard (our Events Coordinator) provided an excellent route and directions. A great turnout of members enjoyed most of the drive, although some thought the roads were somewhat narrow and the roadside edge provided passengers and some drivers with a nervous “look down, look waaayyyy down” view. Then, we finished the drive with a wonderful late brunch at Floyd’s Diner on Station Rd in Langford BC. As large group, we were very fortunate to be seated in five minutes despite it being very busy. All in all, everyone enjoyed themselves and looked forward to our next outing to the Air Museum at the Victoria International Airport.

Here are some photos of the drive.

I know we are into 2025, but I thought I would save the 2024 Christmas Party celebration until now. Many thanks to Mike and Deb for once again opening their home and hosting the Club. The mulled wine was very good and the wonderful Chili they made was appreciated by all. There was a fantastic array of yummy Pot-luck offerings to fill the plates as well. A good turnout made for a festive occasion, and everyone enjoyed catching up with some of the Club’s alumni and current members.
Don’t forget the get-together/meeting being held at the Hillside Shopping Centre.
Here are the details
The shopping Centre (Mall) is located at Shelbourne St and Hillside Ave.
Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Time: 7pm (1900 Hrs)
Location: The Food Court (FATBURGER & STARBUCKS) area in the Hillside Shopping Centre
1644 Hillside Ave, (found nestled between Hillside Ave – Shelbourne St – North Dairy Rd)
Victoria, BC V8T2C5
Shelbourne St still has a lot of roadwork going on between Cedar Hill Cross Road and North Dairy Rd, so I recommend avoiding it if you can.
I suggest using Cedar Hill Rd if you are coming from the Northwest side of Saanich.
There is plenty of parking by Canadian Tire/Thrifty Foods and it is a short walk from there to the Food Court.
Hopefully, we will see you there.

Terry (aka Da Prez!)

The Annual General Meeting was held on 3 November 2024 in the 4-Mile House Restaurant. It was a good turnout of folks considering several members couldn’t make it because of previous engagements and other issues. Everyone in attendance enjoyed a good meal and refreshments prior to the meeting. Each member of the Executive delivered their individual reports. Additionally, through general-membership voting, all were re-elected by acclamation.
Thanks to Linda for taking the Minutes of the Meeting.
Equally important, thanks go out to Ruben Little of MINI Victoria for graciously providing draw prizes that were appreciated by those that attended. To see any photos please check out the website at https://victoriaminis.com/ or Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/772464342915077

If you are looking to renew your membership or know anyone else wishing to join the Club, please look at the details below:
The annual membership fee is $30 per family. You have two methods to pay and submit the form:
Using Canada Post, send the completed paper form and cheque for the membership fee made payable to: Victoria Minis Car Club
Address: Mike Smith, 241 Hector Road, Victoria, BC, V9E 2C1;
Electronically, you can use the e-transfer method and send the annual membership fee to Mike Smith’s email address victoriaminiscarclub@gmail.com .  As well, if the person is new to the Club, please email a copy of the completed Membership form located at https://victoriaminis.com/club-information/join-the-club/https://victoriaminis.com/club-information/join-the-club/ to Mike at mikesmith.vic@gmail.com

It was a beauty of a day for a drive. Traffic on the Malahat was light and spirits were soaring. Thanks to Richard for planning the drive and stops along the way. Sometimes, on short trips like this, you encounter some minor issues. While on an inaugural drive (aka Test Drive) one of the Minis developed a fuel leak. However, without a lot of fanfare, a friend of Minis was able to provide a tool that would ultimately correct the problem of a loose fitting and after refuelling, we were off again. Of course, while waiting for the refuelling to be completed, we looked around and had drinks and ice cream. Then, we finished up the drive around the lake and returned to have a great tasting lunch at the 4-Mile House. One of the cars on the way home had rear suspension issues and had to pull over and get a tow-truck ride home. Everyone was safe and sound and looking forward to the next event.

Many thanks to Tim for organising a fantastic drive through the back-roads of Mill Bay & Duncan area to arrive at our destination the Genoa Bay Cafe. In case you have not been there, it is a great outdoor/indoor eating area on the dock in Genoa Bay. It has reasonable prices with fantastic service and a view to match the service.
The folks from Victoria area met at the Tim Hortons on Mccallum Rd in Langford and proceeded North to the Park & Ride off Hwy 1 at Frayne Rd in Mill Bay. The group then took a 45-minute back-road drive to our destination. Everyone enjoyed themselves and a couple purchased of wonderful cinnamon buns for later in the day. After breakfast we each went our separate ways.

It was a beautiful day for Brits on the Beach in Ladysmith BC with attendees from many places on the Mainland and Island(s). It was a terrific drive that was done in a leisurely manner leaving at 7:45am and arriving at 8:45am-ish. Although not quite as many cars as there have been in previous years, there were several rare and high-quality vehicles in attendance. Both the attendees and the public enjoyed their time looking at the cars and asking many questions about them. One of the photos from the show has Sandra with the draw prize she won. The Classic Mini photo is of a meticulously restored 1968 Austin Mini Cooper S. Also included is a 1933 Riley Lynx and a British/Chinese Roewe750 which is a Re-branded Rover 75. Take a look at us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/772464342915077.

It was not the best weather at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria as it was a little cool and threatening to rain near mid-day. However, a good number of British vehicles made this event a successful one. As you can see by the photos, we had a good turnout of Minis/MINIs representing the Club and friends to celebrate this important day. Below are a few photos for you to enjoy.

The next event is Brits on the Beach being held 14 July 2024 from 10am-3pm at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith BC. If you are interested email victoriaminisclub@gmail.com for more details or checkout the Facebook Page at Victoria Minis Car Club | Facebook.

We exchanged sunshine for a bit of rain during the 17^th Annual Restoration Fair and Swap Meet held on Sunday 2 Jun 2024. It was not too bad of a day with the vendors out in full force. There was a nice collection of Minis/MINIs and many other English marques as well. Everyone enjoyed themselves, and here are a few photos taken by Mike. Next up is the Father’s Day Picnic in the Park on 16 June 2024.