Buried Treasure

If anyone in the United States feels like being associated with this roller restoration and preservation, either by providing finance or parts, or wishes to find out more about its progress please write to Nick Dolezal, London Borough of Camden, Leisure Department, The Crowndale Centre, 220 Eversholt Street, London, England, NW1 IDE.

Continuing with the Buried Treasure theme, another story was recently featured in the National Press. It concerned a certain Mrs. Tucker whose husband died in 1973, and she wished to sell off part of her land. She called in a Valuer who found more than he expected. He discovered, either stored in old buildings or standing in the open covered over with grass and brambles, an amazing collection of vehicles which Mr. Tucker had accumulated over many years. These the Valuer thought to be worth much more than the value of the land and when these were put up for auction he was proved right. Amongst the many items there were two steam rollers, an Aveling and Porter and a Tasker. A Model T Ford was found, as well as an Austin Seven, a Morris Eight Series E and a rare 1916 Calthorpe. A 1936 Leyland Titan bus, a 1941 Leyland fire engine and a 1914 Thorneycroft lorry were also retrieved, as well as such items as a Moto Trycycle of the 1920's. The Model T Ford sold for 21,000 (about $30,000), the Tasker roller made 18,000 and an engine manual for a Lagonda 12 cylinder car went for 150.

Truly the case of finding a fortune at the bottom of your garden, as one of our sayings goes.

Pat Freeman is publicity officer for the Road Roller Association whose annual membership fee is $14. To join, write Alison Arrowsmith, 7 Worcester Close, Lichfield, Staffs., England WS13 7SP.