Stuart Lucas sadly passed away suddenly on Friday 6th December 2024.
Stuart was better known to us all as half of the Admin team that ensured your Membership details were added to and updated at renewals on the Club's Membership database - but to many of us, he was also known for his sharp wit, fun and mischief on the Anglia Runs, together with his alter ego, Freddy Lucas (a toy frog) aka Head of SMC Membership Customer Complaints.
Stuart and Zena have owned a number of Standards since they joined the Club back in 2008. On a whim, they bought an immaculate 1935 Standard Ten (785 JKB "Jackie B") locally in Norfolk and joined the Club to help them get the most from the car both socially and technically and came along that spring to the Anglia Run, an annual event attracting around 20 regular cars (and owners).
They made this their annual event, eventually helping to organise the road runs, visits and their particular forte, the Sunday evening quiz and entertainment. They would always make a theme of this and include dressing up and leading a sing-along, with memorable hits like "We are the Ovaltinies" becoming an annual favourite.
Stuart always brought an element of 'mischief' and cheekiness whether to the bar or the coffee shop. Having worked as an AA Patrolman, his knowledge of cars and their faults and fixes, was second to none, and he was always willing to lend a hand or a bit of useful advice to get a Standard home. He later worked for AA Signs, before leaving them and using his driving skills since his licence covered everything from HGV Class1 to road sweepers and motorbikes. His Standard fleet included a 1935 Ten, a 1959 Companion and a 1961 Vanguard Vignale.
Stuart and Zena's 1935 Standard Ten
Stuart will be sadly missed by the Club for the hard work he and Zena put in week in, week out, keeping the Membership and Register database up to date for over ten years and for the fun they brought to the Club's events, and even to the Facebook accounts, aka Freddy Lucas. Stuart was a shining example of someone who gave more to the Club than he took out and set an example to all of us to just give a little more to help make the Standard community a strong one. He proved that the Club was so much more than just the cars and that we are a body of people with a common interest, love of British motoring history and heritage, who can have a laugh like we did in the "good old days".
May his example inspire more of us to help our Club thrive well into the future and hold true to the traditions of the past which come with our Standards.
Stuart, Zena and Freddie
Our thoughts are especially with Zena at this sad time.
Conan Lewis
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