outdoor and wildlife services; taken off-road by adventurers; in James Bond films; and even being driven by the royals – with Her Majesty the Queen having her very own Landy.

What helped establish the Defender's presence was its power and performance. Each part served a purpose but was easily replaceable when broken. This was a toughened vehicle able to withstand many conditions and to keep performing. In many ways, the Defender was the British equivalent of the Soviet Union's AK-47 assault rifle.

What did finally stop the Defender was European Union standards on vehicle emissions due to come into force in 2020, with JLR unable or unwilling to upgrade the vehicle.

Defender fan and Reg contributor Mark Whitehorn took the farewell Defender Celebration Tour at the Meteor Works, Land Rover’s sitepurchase, amongst other things, a new sound system for the theatre, a new communications system for the technicians and refurbish the dressing rooms. In January 2014, using funds raised by FOLP, work started on refurbishing the bar and green room to provide new and better facilities for customers and staff. The area will also be used for smaller more intimate performance nights. Our front of house volunteers ensure theatre goers are given a warm and friendly welcome and we also have an annual programme of successful fundraising events. Full details are available on the What’s On page of the Lowther Pavilion website. Tickets can be purchased from the Lowther Pavilion Box Office.

FRIENDS PRIDE

Local support is crucial to the success of the theatre. Many of our local businesses and