Patina and Performance Limited

22/02/2026

Presently I've not been ordering much from the States - in part because much of what I've needed for projects is material I can source locally, or within the UK at least or that the items I'm looking aren't presently available. As I think I may have noted previously here, there's a lot of products which distributors are listing, but is currently unavailable and I believe this to be a consequence of uncertainty around tariffs despite the original issue being ongoing for close on 10 months now.

US buyers are uncertain about committing for products that aren't their "runners & repeaters", US manufacturers aren't ready to simply "switch on" production of low volume items - so it leaves a void for those items which are lower volume and less critical to secure sources for. The outcome following the ruling from the Supreme Court prolongs this further, and the subsequent interim application of 10%, later increased to 15% universal tariff(with little clarifications around whether this effects trade deals agreed within the last year - so any companies supplying goods from the UK to the USA have my sympathies in that respect) merely extends the likelihood that the future for these parts will be resolved any time soon.

Uncertainty is the enemy of any business, but when that is combined with unpredictability - such as the decision to move between 10 and 15% overnight means businesses cannot take reasonable steps to work with parties overseas or within territory - and if those parts aren't high volume business profit critical then it's safer to sit back and keep a watching brief in the expectation that the trading landscape could change overnight subject to the way the wind blows.

The direct impact doesn't cause a huge uplift in costs for me - it's a few pounds here and there on item, offset in part through a better currency exchange but the delays in accessing parts is far more damaging once jobs go on hold because parts aren't available. 150 days might not seem a lot but if that means another 6 months waiting for certain key components then it does become a big deal(thankfully right now I can probably find the AC parts I need from outside the USA but it's time spent seeking alternative sources which becomes an distraction)

14/02/2026

We're not bikers here at P&P but thought it was worth highlighting this. The Barton bike nights attained a relative legendary status locally, and were always well subscribed and provided a "big" night for local businesses for the footfall it would bring to the town.

However it, like so many things, it feels the organisers have felt the squeeze and there's no queue of folk already within the team to carry the torch. Events in every facet seem to be increasingly struggling to secure volunteers, and with that events become purely commercial exercises and no longer a cornerstone of their respect scene & community.

Barton Bike Night 2026 Cancelled as Organisers Step Back

One of the region’s most popular motorcycle gatherings, Barton Bike Night, has been cancelled for 2026, organisers have confirmed.

The annual event, which usually attracts thousands of bikers from across the country, has become a highlight of the local calendar. In previous years it has featured a wide range of attractions, including trade stands, displays of vintage and custom bikes, special themed features and live music from local bands, drawing large crowds into the town.

In a statement, the organising team explained that this year’s event will not be going ahead due to a combination of other commitments and personal reasons.

“We are hanging up our biking gear after running the event for the past few years,” organisers said. “This decision has not been taken lightly, but it is the right time for us to step back.”

Despite the cancellation, there is hope that the much-loved bike night could return in 2027. The organisers have stressed that they would welcome a new team of volunteers to take on the event in the future and have offered their full support to make that possible.

“If a new team of volunteers wish to organise and manage the event in the future, we are more than happy to do a handover of information and documents, as well as advice from our experiences,” the statement continued.

They also highlighted the importance of community involvement in keeping events like Barton Bike Night alive.

“It has been, and hopefully will be in the future, a great event for the town,” they said. “But it cannot survive without support and the help of volunteers.”

Local businesses and biking enthusiasts alike have expressed disappointment at the news, while many have echoed calls for fresh volunteers to come forward to help ensure the event’s return in future years.

Below: A scene from a previous Barton Bike Night

12/02/2026

As its my local circuit it's the place I'll be found regularly through the summer weekends. It's so important to keep supporting local venues and attending them when you can.

11/02/2026

Harness building...delivery 1 of 2, the reels of wire with the tracers printed are coming from a different supplier

10/02/2026

Despite the insulation crumbling off this wiring bridging the wiper motor it still operates fine but needs redoing before it gets put back into service.

09/02/2026

Blocked drainage channels cause rot, and whilst folk may get really hung up about the impact of salt on their bodywork, water not being able to drain away as designed is equally bad and frequently places that you're less likely to see..

08/02/2026

Seeing the twist in this particular car on videos of it launching is never anything less than entertaining👍

08/02/2026

Random heavy gauge red wiring taped off in the engine bay? Obviously it's an earth, why wouldn't that be the first assumption? There was also another even heavier gauge cable coming off the same bolt on the bell housing which wasn't affixed anywhere, although that was appropriately colour coded black.

07/02/2026

Electrical connections can be a source of erratic running and unreliability, and when you see terminals in this condition it's easy to understand why. This was the live feed to the heater motor blower, but it's condition isn't unique across the wiring system.

06/02/2026

It's proving an attritional Sick Week 2026 with another leading car out the event and the last of the potential 5.### runners unable to continue.
Equally it's a reminder why your safety gear is important and why events have to hold tech inspections.

06/02/2026

Radiator looking significantly better than I might have expected, suspect the protection of both the trans cooler and the AC evaporator have saved it from a lot of damage.

04/02/2026

The name "Isky Cams" is one of those names that simply resonates through the history of hot rods, so it's sad to see it's founder has passed away at what is a grand age of 104 but equally reflects a good life, well lived.