Crowtree at Cadwell: Display raises over £2k for air ambulance

Few made-to-measure leathers brands have such a fond following as Crowtree – and a display of classic kit from the now closed brand has raised more than £2000 for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance charity. 

The display, at Cadwell Park over the 2022 bank holiday BSB weekend, was organised by the Remembering Crowtree Leathers Facebook group and featured suits loaned by British champ, TT winners and kit worn by late, great Performance Bikes road tester Ronnie Smith (that’s Ronnie’s son Fred Driver-Smith in the photo).  

“The interest was very good,” organiser John Doughty told MCN. “Crowtree were massive for a long time, but you wouldn’t believe how many people came over and said: ‘I had a set of them’.”

“It was just one of those companies that would only happen once in your lifetime. It was so personal and professional, and the quality of the products was so good.” 

Based close to the circuit in Louth, Lincolnshire, Crowtree were a small, bespoke leather company run by Alec Baumber and wife Linda. Alec sadly died in 2014. Anyone wanting to donate to the appeal should head to the JustGiving page now.

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Crowtree remembered: Lincolnshire leathers to be commemorated at BSB round

First published on 5 August 2022 by Phil West

The fondly remembered Crowtree Leathers brand is set to be commemorated with a special display at this year’s Cadwell Park British Superbike round in aid of the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance. 

Taking place between 26-29 August, the display will be made up of old sets of Crowtree leathers loaned by ex-racers including British champions, Isle of Man TT winners, National champions, and more. 

Organised by John and Claire Doughty of the ‘Remembering Crowtree Leathers’ Facebook group, it’s hoped the display, which will be held on Chris Curve from Friday right through to Monday of the BSB weekend, will bring Crowtree fans together to reminisce and celebrate the brand plus also raise money for the air ambulance. 

“This kind of company only happens once in a lifetime,” said John. “And we feel it should be celebrated and remembered by the very people who used and some still use these amazing leathers.” 

Based in Louth, just up the road from Cadwell, Crowtree was a small, bespoke leather company run by Alec Baumber and wife Linda.  

They rose to national prominence in the 1990s and 2000s thanks to their quality and customer care. After initially planning to retire in 2006 they were so inundated with orders they instead carried on, not wanting to let anyone down. Alec sadly died in 2014. 

Anyone with leathers for display is asked to contact John via the Remembering Crowtree Leathers Facebook Group while those wishing to donate can do so via the JustGiving page which has been set up.