Resplendent Cakes and Carriages
project, I would need some sort of business strategy to bring value to what I was doing.”
It is this business strategy that is both unusual and inventive.
“I had to figure out a way to turn my hobby into a business. Material and parts for my roadster were costing more and more.”
The answer was amazingly close to hand.
Booth’s wife, Dawn, is one of the country’s top cake decorators and one of her specialities is designer wedding cakes.
“Over supper one evening Dawn had a sudden brainwave. Why don’t we call ourselves ‘Cakes and Carriages’ she declared. They both go together. Every bride wants a fancy car as well as a wedding cake.”
It was a stroke of genius. “She was quite right,” says John. “When the topic of car hire is brought up she is quick to refer them in my direction.”
The upshot of that conversation over dinner was that John was able to bring not only one, but two dreams to fruition.
His second wedding vehicle is a 1959 Rover that he acquired through leads from the Natal Rover Owners Association.
“It was in desperate need of love and care and the owner was happy to let me have it at a reasonable price. I managed to retain the walnut dashboard, and found all the parts I needed to restore it to as near to the original as possible.”
John later discovered that the Rover, a luxury car even in those years, was bought at a car dealership in old Smith Street, Durban, and was owned by the Staniland family of the old Hawthorne Hotel, near the embankment.”
“Their daughter Betty was given the Rover as a present. You can imagine a young girl driving a very expensive car must have been quite a sight in the 50s. When Betty got married, the Rover became her wedding car and then they shipped it to Venice for the couple’s honeymoon.”
Later this month, on Saturday, July 29, an interactive car show will be held at the Hillcrest High School, featuring, among other events, a parade of vintage cars.
Among them will be Betty’s wedding Rover.
“And guess who will be in it?” says John with a triumphant grin: “Betty herself – aged 86.”
His next big dream is to build a scaled down replica of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation coach.
“I might have to write to the royal family and ask permission, but imagine that for someone’s wedding.” lizclarke4@gmail.com THE INTERACTIVE CAR SHOW The gates will open at the Hillcrest High School on Saturday, July 29, at 9.30am for parking and ticket sales.
There will be various events during the day, including drama and drummies’ performances, modelling shows and a carsthrough-the-ages parade hosted by the Veteran Car Club of South Africa. Food and beverages will also be on sale. CONTACT DETAILS
For more information, contact John Booth at 0733418211 or go to www.cakesandcarriages.co.za