The buildings that were till recently known as Roxby Garage were originally part of the Warsash House Estate. In 1938, Vic Collins local entrepreneur, speedway champion, Alderman for Fareham, a pillar of the community of Warsash purchased the Clock Tower and the buildings that go around the corner into Brook Lane. The garage buildings that we know today were behind a large brick wall and included an engine house, several storerooms and a stable. Vic quickly demolished some of these and adapted others. He already owned a garage near where Chases the builders in Warsash Road are today but wanted to expand. He made lots of alterations to the Clock Tower. Later one of the owners raised the roof where the dog grooming shop and Opticians are today turning this into a two-storey building.
In the 1950’s Vic sold the Clock Tower and the Garage with the shops I believe to Mr A.C Barnes. He had a yacht on the Hamble and would sail at weekends. It was Mr Barnes that named the garage Roxby Garage after the one he already owned in Thornton Le Dale in North Yorkshire, so this was how it got its name. Those of you who are car buffs may recognise Thornton Le Dale as the place where a TV program hails from called Bangers and Cash. Yes this is the garage that the name of Roxby came from.
After Mr Barnes came Mr E.G Hood followed by Eddie Mcguire. His family lived in the Clock Tower and he ran the family business from 1963 to the 1970’s, the Mcguire family had a formula 4 racing team that they ran from here namely Roxby Racing.
In 1978, Paul Trewick took over the tenancy of the garage having worked for Chevron previously. In 2006 Phil Clements became the new owner and the petrol pumps were removed. They then concentrated more on MOT and repairs and the sale of cars.
In September 2024 Roxby Garage went into liquidation and was bought by Peter Nash Cars. They already have the Car Sales on the opposite corner at Number 1 Warsash Road. Here they sell upmarket cars. The old Roxby Garage sells more family cars. Alas, the name Roxby Garage has now disappeared.
Sue Decicco