I’ve been an Indiana Jones fan since seeing Temple of Doom at the cinema in 1984. It wasn’t until later that I got to see Raiders. Now I think ROTLA is my favourite movie of the trilogy.
I bought a ‘Wested’ Last Crusade jacket back in (I think) 1998 and it instantly became my second skin. With such soft leather and being so lightweight I immediately fell in love with it. I think it had been an earlier incarnation of Indygear, which had sent me in the right direction.
The last half year I have been a lurker (ouch sounds kinda creepy) here on the Club Obi Wan. I held back from joining as I thought I would probably end up being here every day to keep up to date with the new posts. Finally, I decided I should officially join up (because I do find I am here almost daily). After this period of time I feel like I know many of you who post here, even though I’ve not chipped in.
Recently I decided my Wested Jacket needed a companion to make it feel not so lonely and to wear in exchange. For my new one I decided to go for a Raiders style Jacket with the smaller collar.
I visited Wested in Swanley on Tuesday this last week (5th October). I only live about 30 minutes from the shop. Previously I had dealt with them only via their website and email (I think it was when they were based in their other premises).
I thought I would share a few screen captures from my visit
(I haven't seen any recent pics, on the forum or main site, of Westeds Swanley shop).For those of you who haven't actually been there.. the shop is located quite close to the M25 motorway, and so you can hear a hum of noise from the cars and trucks passing by. Quite conveniently located for visitors by car, with a small car park next to the building.
Jerry met me and gave me a run down of the changes to the jacket since mine was made.
My measurements were taken from my existing jacket as this fits and feels pretty good. I did ask them to subtract an inch from the bottom of my jacket because I had originally ordered my Last Crusade in a ‘long’. Jerry said that my Last Crusade was in fact the short length. So I asked to have it an inch less anyway, just so it is a little different.
I am very much looking forward to having a new Wested and taking it on my travels with me. I love having something that is handcrafted by craftsmen and really feel proud to be wearing it.
Also I am happy to a part of the COW forum and look forward to getting to know you all.
Best Wishes,
Derek (Indyevans)
I wouldn't blame him at all if he quit at that point! 
)
hrmmmm )
