All creatures great and small

‘In the corner of the workshop, Olli Ragbin sits watching events unfold before him’

Not many people know this, but prior to his time with CCM young Chris was an apprentice vet to the great James Herriot.

He learnt everything there is to know from the canny Yorkshire veterinarian and as time passed by Herriot became increasingly reliant on Young Chris for some of the bigger jobs.

Eventually, any birthing cow problems which required a deftness of touch and a gentle soothing word for the expectant mother found themselves being taken care of by Young Chris.

One day, the two were chatting about their love for classic cars when, quite out of the blue, they found themselves at odds with each other’s opinion.

Herriot, a long-time lover of the Triumph Stag, was shouting his particular corner whilst Chris, a devoted Dolomite fan, was trumpeting the merits of the Dolly (in rally spec).

Herriot left the conversation after being outwitted by the younger man and brewed on the loss of argument.

In his subsequent book and TV franchise ‘All creatures great and small’ Young Chris got only a passing mention and didn’t secure the sizeable acknowledgment due for the support he’d given and the skills he’d honed.

Ever on the lookout for talent, Eric spotted an opportunity and Young Chris left the fields and cow sheds and put his expertise and top-class hand/eye coordination and dexterity to good use in the warm confines of the CCM workshop.

This week on the return leg of journey number 2 to collect a brace of Bristols, Eric’s trusty Range Rover threw a wobbly and decided that auxiliary belts no longer belonged powering anything of substance on this particular car.

Not being able to sort the matter on the spot, Eric got in touch with the good old RAC.

After much waiting about and generally unproductive hanging around, a suitable rescue vehicle was launched to ferry the Range Rover, the second Bristol and Eric back to the cozy love and embrace of the CCM workshop.

‘Tis the Aux belt’ announced Eric on his return. ‘Guides, tensioner wheels and a new belt need to be fitted in a confined space’.

‘I’m your man’ said Young Chris and with that he grabbed his old milking stool (his one and only physical reminder of his times with Herriot’ and got swiftly to work.

‘Come on old girl’ he whispered quietly to a clearly nervous Range Rover.

At times the CCM workshop resembled something from a battlefield scene. 3 jeeps/landies of various ages nestled together awaiting fettling.

Eric assures me that these are genuine customer cars and that this is not his attempt at re-creating his own role in improving American/Russian affairs from his time in the services.

He gives me this assurance and says it is mere coincidence that we happen to have half the military in the workshop. I narrow my eyes at him. ‘Coincidence’ he repeats. And with that he salutes, about turns and marches swiftly back into the office, riding crop tucked under arm, felt hat firmly place on head.

This week we are only accepting green cars to work on. When I say green, I am referring to colour as opposed to environmental impact. Dr Ray was busying himself finishing off this lovely MGB as she gets ready for an emotional reunion with her owner.

Saturday afternoon and I put in a call to Eric as my own Range Rover has decided to come out in sympathy with Eric’s.

A faulty something or other needs looking at. I give Eric this very precise diagnosis and I can actually hear his eyebrows raise, eyes following closely behind.

I can hear work in the background. Izzi is in the workshop again with her Mk VI fiesta this time putting some new shocks on her pride and joy.

We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again, it’s just great to see the young generation of car enthusiasts getting involved and passionate about the love and care of their motors.

I do wonder whether the current shift toward electrification will have the youth of today quite as excited as they are when tinkering with something a little more analogue.

Time will tell.

Another week draws to a close. The crazy Cobra is nearing readiness for the road and is patiently waiting to frighten anyone brave enough to try and tame her, the Bristols are nicely nestled in, the search for an apprentice is nearing conclusion and we potentially have a visit from the world of motoring journalism. Plenty to look forward to as the weather warms slightly.

Until next time, from Eric, Dr Ray, Justin, Young Chris and Siobhan…stay safe people and see you next week

Ollie