Today i went to Lancaster WGC to collect a new key and to get it programmed.
Unfortunately my Dad took a turn for the worst and had a heart attack at 6am this morning.

My worry was compounded by the fact my key had started to work as and when it felt like it, and i didn’t want to be in a situation where i couldn’t get to and from the hospital.

so i picked up new key (only ordered yesterday) from Lancasters and felt quite relieved it was being sorted.
The guy said he can give me the key, but couldn’t programme it until Monday due to being busy, I was horrified to hear this, as he asked yesterday in the workshop if it would be possible and was told yes, he even told me what time to come in.
So i explained my dilemma, and asked if he could find 5 mins to get this done, but no was the answer.
Feeling a little deflated and apprehensive he phoned a indi who could help me, and off i went.
Adding another hour to my already hectic day, I arrived at Aylmers in Potters Bar to be greeted by Martin, who got his son to sort me out straight away, taking a total of less than 2 mins it was all done, Martin then added “we normally charge £45 for this, but just give my son a drink” i was so happy i not only saved a lot of money, I felt i have actually connected with someone who genuinely cares, and helps his customers.
Being very knowledgeable on RRS and land rovers, i can thoroughly recommend Aylmers to anyone who lives around Herts.
Martin is a top bloke, and what’s more his labour rates are half the price of some main dealers.

Disclaimer:
I have no connection what so ever what Aylmers, nor do i gain from any work he gets from my recommendations, this post was a genuine heads up purely on todays findings, no more.

Really hope your dad is ok & on the mend, & on a second more minor note, nice to see there are still some helpful understanding people out there. 2015 HSE SDV6 Scotia Grey, ebony / lunar, colour coded, deployable steps, TV, sliding pano and a few other bits. Now gone
2018 Velar R-Dynamic HSE sdv6 silicon silver

Hope your dad makes a full recovery Paul. MY13.5 Autobiography, Santorini Black, Privacy Glass. Gone
Driving a milk float for now.

Cheers guys, tonight is going to be a long night.

I used an Indy when I had my sport. Christmas before last they spent time freeing a sticky calliper and didn't charge a penny as I was a regular customer., I'd like to see a stealer do the same!

Hope all turns out well with your dad

Nik. 2015 Golf R DSG
Gone 2013 Mercedes C220 CDi AMG Sport Plus
Gone 2008 2.7 RRS HSE

Sorry to hear about you dad Paul, hope he makes a speedy recovery.

Pleased you eventually got your key fob sorted.
If Lancasters couldn't spare 2 minutes of their time at an agreed appointment Then i would certainly give them a wide birth in the future.

Hi Paul, wishing your dad a speedy and full recovery

Nice to know who you can rely on eh. Good on them  MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

Best wishes to your dad for a speedy recovery.
I have used Martin a few times on our 'older' Landrovers and he's a top chap.

Well, Pilling or Lancasters as they are known, have caused us many problems with three of our cars. An 06 Discovery bought new from them went in for a creaking drivers seat. After three visits, I diagnosed the problem and left the car with them for a new seat frame. When I went to collect it, the new seat frame was done but the mechanic had caught the door trim with a sharp edge and there was a cut about 2 inches long on the door card with foam sticking out. They had also caught the plastic step trim which had a lump out of it presumably when they moved the seat out of the car. So much for quality control.

The next occasion was on our Freelander. It went in 3 times 2 days apart to fix an oil leak. When we got it back, it had a bulge emanating from the underside of the centre of the bonnet. Investigation showed that they had left a tool on the top of the engine and closed the bonnet. Again, nothing was said and it was left to me to discover it.

The next was on our RRS. It went in for something minor and when we got it back, the carpets were soaking under the rubber mats. They had the car for 4 days, dried it out etc and couldn't find anything wrong. Not surprising that it was their car washer chap who was not taking enough care when washing the cars. He was using the pressure washer on the open doors to wash the hinges etc!!!!!!!!

I was assured that he would be chastised and that it wouldn't happen again. I went back because they were local and the same thing happened after a service.

Suffice to say, enough is enough and there were other instances but I'm getting bored now. We now use Lookers at Park Royal and who incidentally we have ordered our new Discovery from.


As I say, I can and will only comment on personal experiences but from your incident Paul, it doesn't seem to have changed.

Hope your Dad gets better soon Paul

Shocking Dealer service  Wanted a Series 2 LR since childhood but previously owned MY16 Disco Sport HSE TD4 Auto, MY13 RR Sport Black Edition TDV6 Auto, MY10 RR Sport HSE TDV6 Auto, 2007 Freelander 1 Freestyle TD4 Soft Top, 2009 Freelander 2 GS TD4 Auto, 2007 Freelander 2 GS TD4, 2004 Disco 2 Metropolis Auto, 2002 Disco 2 GS, 2000 Freelander 1 SE TD4 SW

Still hoping for a S2 one day!