A look back: What’s in a name?
Elliot • 9 March 2019
Some of you may be wondering where the name came from. I mean, at first glance and with a society that is much more aware of inclusion and diversity, it could be all too easy view it as something quite offensive. However, it couldn’t be further from it.
For her day, Bessy was a very big car. At over 4.3 meters long, 1.6 meters wide and 1.6 meters high, she’s the same length and height as a 2019 Volkswagen Golf (if not a little slimmer around the hips…) Check out the image of an early E series parked next to a 2002 Vauxhall Vectra, taken at the Vauxhall heritage center in Luton.
By comparison, a typical family car in the 50’s such as a Morris Minor, was half a meter shorter, and almost 10 cm narrower and lower. Add to this, the robust and bulging bodywork, heavy doors and lashings of chrome, it’s not hard to see why she was referred to as a ‘bit of a tank.’
This was the inspiration for her name. An infamous British ‘Female’ Mark IV tank used in World War 1 at the Battle of Cambrai in France. Slow, imposing and quite unstoppable, tanks like Black Bess left onlookers in awe.
After being lost in November 1917 during the same battle, Black Bess became somewhat of a legend. And while and her fate remains a mystery to this day, it turned out that she was the perfect namesake for our equally lumbering, imposing and awe-inspiring old lady.
Firstly, in addition to sharing the video of the reveal I said I would share details of the JustGiving page that we've set up to raise some funds for The Royal British Legion , The Alzheimer's Society and Mind in his memory. You'll find the page for donations HERE , and I've also updated the original post with the same link. Alternatively, you can click on the charity logo image below.
If you knew my grandad personally his funeral will be held on 25 March 2021 at Sandwell Crematoriu m, although it is likely that Covid-19 restrictions will limit numbers. In lieu of flowers, all we’re asking is that you do what came so naturally to him - Tell those people precious to you that you love them. If you’d like to make a donation to his memory, we will be splitting the proceeds three ways. To the Royal British Legion, the Alzheimer’s Society and of course, to Mind. You can do so by heading to our JustGiving page . For now though, there are plenty of wonderful memories for us to immerse ourselves in. How lucky we are to have them. And how lucky we were to have you; Ron, Ronaldo Longero, Corporal R.S Long, ‘Old Grumpy’... Grandad. Sleep well. We love you.
It's time to end the stigma of metnal health. You are not alone.
How did we manage to uncover such a rich histroy for Bess? A lucky find and the power of the internet... Read the latest to find out more.
One of the sacrifices that needs to be made in order to get bess back on the road is my lovely MINI GP.
Well, I'm not quite sure how it happened, but I've had her back for a whole year...
As a follow up to my story, I share my thoughts on some of the feedback and engagement I've had. There are also a couple of questions that I'd like to hear form you about.
...we start the task of dismantling her. That's right, the restoration has begun. But here's one last look around before the transformation begins.
A follow up after the vlog of my story. Read about the impact it's had at home and work. #mindyourmind
