Rangie Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Completely random question now, but considering the range and spread of personalities on the site, is there anyone from the Bristol area here?? I have a 1949 Bedford MLD, used to be owned in the late 70s/early 80s by John "Dixie" Dix, of Bristol. He of the Dixie's Fine Cider Company and the Cripple Cock name before it was bought out.... The man was what we would describe as a "Hero"........ ie a cider-making, drunken-delivering, taking-a-wall-down-with-the-lorry-because-he-couldn't-aim-the-entry, worthy of a gentleman Does anyone remember him? Anyone related to him? Any pictures of the lorry when it was in use? A mental image given to me by a previous owner was that the lorry had a thatched canopy over the load-bed, it was painted green at the time, and Dixie would go round the Bristol area delivering his cider..... :nut: What a man! The history of the lorry is missing between being registered in Derbyshire in 1949 and Dixie applying for a new type V5 in 1980. Any help appreciated! :-) Alec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 I'm from Bristol, but this dates to a little before my time! I've found this on Google... http://rockinghamforestcider.blogspot.com/2008/07/cider-jar-of-month_11.html Sounds like Dixie's Fine Cider Company was going until the mid eighties, and the brand was then sold to Langdons in Hewish (near Weston and who are still trading). Can't find anything about the lorry though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Degsy Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Try sending a PM to Jim Clark or Martin Hammond of Allied Forces fame, they are from the Bristol area and have been involved in the MV scene for years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooky Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 I remember him only too well (I think!!!) Myself and a mate were left in charge of his toddlers at a rally at Nottingham 18 or so years ago The kids had chips and Ice cream me and my mate had Dixies finest Cripple Cock Must have got an earbashing when Memsahib returned but cant remember it !!!!!! The lorry did have a thatched roof and the Bedford was later changed for an MAN Definately painted green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangie Posted March 3, 2011 Author Share Posted March 3, 2011 Hah, brilliant! I was under the impression he was an elderly gentleman though, it may have been a relation! I'll pass the message onto the aforementioned people, you never know! Thanks, Alec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulg Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 I have A Picture of The Truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazzaw Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 I'd have thought that drinking copious amounts of any cider would end up with Cripple Cock:whistle: I'll go now.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangie Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 FANTASTIC!!! PM sent......... That's the old girl! It still has the odd headlamps and the crease in the front numberplate :laugh: It's been part restored by 3 different people since the mid-80's, I'm going to finish it off and get it working for its retirement again....... :cool2: So wonderful to get a picture of it from its 1979 to 1986 period... No clue about the 1949 to 1979 though! Cheers, Alec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangie Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 Oh, and oddball dodge wheels on the front. So if anyone has bedford M or O type rims, i'm after three! Alec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero-Five-Two Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 (edited) Have you tried the classified ads in the Classic and Vintage Commercial Vehicle Magazine? There was some wheels for sale in there last month. Edited August 3, 2011 by Zero-Five-Two insert word Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike DDDD Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Hi I don't know whether you would like another (but similar) photo of NNU919, but here it is. Taken on 22 Oct 1983, on Bristol docks, outside the building used for the cider making. Hope you manage your restoration! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangie Posted January 4, 2012 Author Share Posted January 4, 2012 Excellent, thanks very much! I've said it before, there's an eclectic bunch on here!! :-D Cheers, Alec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin67 Posted September 1, 2020 Share Posted September 1, 2020 Hi, I'm a cousin of John. Haven't seen him since the funeral of his mum, my great aunt, in 2011. Last I heard he was in Spain running a small vineyard. He was legendary in the family, spending years in an old run down building near Flash in Derbyshire, making the Cripple Cock Cider in Bristol, breeding geese in remote parts of Ireland, marrying quite late in life, divorcing before heading south. Hope he's still well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.