After a lovely Friday evening on the campsite it was a wet day on Saturday but our enthusiasts are a hardy bunch and didn't let the rain spoil their enthusiasm for getting out there with their classics in support of the National Tramway Museum at Crich. Fortunately the weather improved the following day which was earmarked for a leisurely 35 mile driving tour in the Peak District around the museum.

The photo gallery covering the entire weekend is now live and available via the button below.

Details of the VIP day include:

• The day starts at 9.30am with a briefing from either your pilot or/and a crew member and the day's co-ordinator.
• There are multiple tail-down taxy runs on VIP days.
• The riders in the VIP party are divided into groups allowing you to ride on one taxy run and watch any others at close quarters.
• Guests will enjoy a taxy ride in a variety of positions inside i.e. rear turret, middle turret, radio operator's seat, radar position, the back door and bomb aimer's position.
• Morning coffee, afternoon tea and cake are also included on these days.
• There is a lunch prepared especially for VIP guests.
• During the day you will have plenty of time to chat to the crew and ask any technical questions.
• You will also be able to explore the aircraft and have a good look around experiencing the sights and smells of a WWII bomber.
• All guests have the opportunity to sit in/visit each position throughout the aircraft whilst the aircraft is static and have the tour of the Lancaster bomber with the chance to sit in the pilot's seat.

​You will also be able to bring a guest for the whole day, including a look inside the Lancaster and the tour. Unfortunately, your guest will not be able to partake in the taxy ride. Full details will be provided to the winner.

At Lancaster, the insurance policies we can arrange for Buildings and Contents mean you can be safe in the knowledge that your home and belongings are covered.

All risks are considered and policy benefits may include; buildings cover up to £1m, contents cover up to £100,000, alternative accommodation cover as well as accidental damage cover, bicycle cover and cover for your
possessions whilst away from the home*.


​To find out more information and see how we can help you, call the team today on 01480 400903 or visit www.lancasterinsurance.co.uk
​*Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable.

Gar Cole and the team organise a range of classic car events every season for members to attend, from the prestigious world-leading Practical Classic Classic Car and Restoration Show and the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show (both at the NEC) to formal static shows in fields to organised driving tours in beautiful areas of the country. It almost goes without saying that Covid-19 is still affecting public events, so please do check with Gar and the team before travelling.

These events are not limited to pre-85 British motors as they are also open to members of our sister group, Pre-Millennial Motors which includes cars, bikes and commercial vehicles from every country in the world built before the year 2000.

We're a friendly lot and would love to see you at an event or two - you can even come if you don't own a classic at all as there are usually spare seats going (just ask first!). All events with the exception of the major commercial shows are free to enter, but you will usually be responsible for your own food, fuel and insurance as well as any accommodation that may be needed.

​Any questions? Just ask Gar Cole - he's the font of all knowledge as far as group events are concerned.

To view the up-to-date list of official group events, please click the button below.

After the long, dark nothing events-wise that was 2020, finally we were able to get our classics out again for 2021 Drive It Day - and what a time our intrepid travellers had in the stunning countryside adjoining the beautiful Jurassic Coast in Dorset.

Click on the image to view the full gallery of almost 100 photographs. If this looks like your idea of a good way to enjoy your classic, why not join us next time? We're always happy to see new faces and most group events are free to enter. The current list of confirmed group events can be found by clicking here.

It's taken us a while to get everything together, but at long last we can now bring you - just in time for Spring - our latest item of group merchandise - Enthusiasts Duo Car Window Shades, priced at £10.99 + shipping per pair.

Perfect for keeping the interior cool on those warm Spring and Summer days ahead, or just to fly the flag when you're out and about - and what better way to show your support for the Group at classic car events?

Offer is for a pair (2 shades). Please check sizes and details before ordering.

Available now in our online shop, this traditional but trendy unisex headgear is a stylish and comfortable way to keep your bonce warm in winter and also protected from unexpected seagull attack in Summer. 

Designed in the UK by Beechfield Original Headwear, this is a quality unisex item made of Herringbone weave fabric (100% washed cotton). The vintage styling features a stitched-down peak and elasticated crown and is available in two sizes. Our Group logo is embroidered in very high quality (10,000 stitches) on the rear panel.

The Enthusiasts Vintage Flat Cap is now available from stock for immediate despatch.

Update from the FBHVC

​National Drive It Day was created by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs in 2005. It is the occasion when historic vehicle enthusiasts and the public at large have the opportunity to celebrate the One Thousand Mile Trial organised in 1900 to prove the viability of the new invention, the motor vehicle. It’s also a chance to raise awareness and support amongst the public for the historic vehicle movement and keeping transport heritage on UK roads. 

This year’s Drive It Day celebration is scheduled for Sunday, 25th April and many enthusiasts have been asking for the latest information on what can and cannot proceed to mark this National Awareness Day.

​The FBHVC is pleased to announce that the latest news, is good news. David Whale, Chairman of the FBHVC said, “National Drive it Day has its place as a symbolic season opener, a chance to get historic vehicles of all shapes, sizes and types out in use, seen by the public and enjoyed by their custodians. It’s a statement of national importance because, not only does it ensure that our transport heritage continues as a moving, working, living experience, but also raises awareness of the size, importance and contribution that the historic vehicle movement makes to the world.” This year, that contribution is even larger because the FBHVC have teamed up with the NSPCC’s Childline® to raise money as an integrated part of Drive it Day in order to use our movement to contribute to a section of society that has needed huge help and support during the pandemic – vulnerable children.

Lockdown has magnified all sorts of societal problems and the long days and weeks trapped in broken homes or abusive environments have put vulnerable children even more at risk. Furthermore, the restrictions on social contact and the movement of people have seriously curtailed fundraising efforts for charities across the board and charities have found themselves underfunded, just at the moment when they need the resource the most.

​All profits from our official Drive it Day rally plate go towards the NSPCC’s Childline®, so get yours now via www.driveitday.co.uk. Sir Peter Wanless, Chief Executive of the NSPCC said “We are delighted with the support of classic and historic vehicle enthusiasts in contributing to the work of Childline® in our first year of partnership. This support is especially important at the moment, Childline® is a crucial service on which young people can rely - day or night - whatever problems or dangers they are facing.”

​As we know, each devolved nation has provided bespoke guidance throughout the pandemic and this is the current position:

​ENGLAND
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through the Tourism Alliance has confirmed that at Step 2 of the road map for exit from lockdown applicable from 12th April, an event such as the Federation’s Drive It Day may go ahead providing that: - The event takes place outdoors - Attendees will arrive and leave the event in a staggered manner throughout the day - It does not involve attendees converging on and congregating at a site for a specific discrete activity, such as a theatre or music performance - Rule of 6 or two households mixing outdoors applies
​
NORTHERN IRELAND
We are in contact with the Honorary Secretary of the Association of Old Vehicle Clubs and he tells us no decision has been made by the NI Assembly regarding opening things up but the Association will continue to monitor the situation and post new information as soon as it is announced on https://www.aovc.co.uk/

SCOTLAND
The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has accelerated lockdown easing in Scotland, with some travel restrictions lifted and more people able to meet outside from Friday, 16th April:

• People will be able to leave their local authority area for the purposes of socialising, recreation or exercise, though travel between the mainland and some islands will not be permitted.  Overnight stays are not permitted.
• Rules on gatherings will also be relaxed, with six adults from up to six households able to meet outside.

WALES Travel restrictions within the UK will be lifted from 12th April.

​We hope this information is helpful but in all cases government guidance applicable on Sunday 25th April must be followed. Rally plates can be purchased via www.driveitday.co.uk , where enthusiasts may also make an additional donation to the Just Giving page. All profits from the Drive it Day rally plates will go to NSPCC’s Childline®. For media enquiries, please contact: • Wayne Scott at Classic Heritage PR, 07759 260899. wayne@classicheritagepr.co.uk

Raising funds for the NSPCC Childline, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) invites you to take part in Drive-It Day. The FBHVC says, "We can't let children become the long-term victims of this pandemic. We need your support."

​Click the button below to buy your rally plates direct from the Federation and post photos in the group showing what you do for Drive It Day!

First introduced in 2005, the format for Drive It Day is a tried and tested formula. The Federation sets the date each year (as close as possible to the anniversary of the 1000 Mile Trial) and publicises the event nationally.

​The many clubs that comprise the Federation's membership then plan and schedule regional and local events throughout the country. ​The events are as varied as the vehicles taking part and include Drive Outs, Rallies, and meetings at local beauty spots or historic sites.

​Important venues such as The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Brooklands, Lakelands Motor Museum, The British Motor Museum, Gaydon and Bicester heritage are a few of the major locations that usually participate but there will be scores of events the length and breadth of the country.

Is your car and home in need of a cleaning blitz? 
We are thrilled to be offering one lucky winner the chance to win a Karcher K4 Premium Full Control Car & Home Pressure Washer worth £299! 
This pack comes with accessories to help clean your car and around your home and tackle the toughest and gentlest of cleaning jobs with ease... 

• Car accessory kit including Wash Brush, Foam Nozzle and Car Shampoo
• Patio cleaning accessories and detergent
• Easily switch between surfaces pressure control
• LED pressure display
• Plug 'n' Clean system - just click in the bottle and you're good to go
• Quick Connect system instantly links the high-pressure hose to the machine and trigger gun
• Easy Wind Hose
• Everything In One Place with on-board storage for accessories

All you need to do to enter is click on the button below. Closing date 30 April 2021.​

The British Motor Museum is delighted to announce it has been awarded an additional £261,500 from the second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. The Museum is among more than 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards.  This is in addition to the £707,000 which was awarded to the Museum last October as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure it has a sustainable future.  

​This second award has a slightly different emphasis over round one in that it is to be used between April and June for the core activities of re-starting operations and re-opening the Museum to the public. 

The British Motor Museum plans to re-open on Monday 17 May 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm with a full programme of family friendly activities for the May half term week. From 7 June to 23 July the Museum will revert to 4 days, opening on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday then open daily again for the summer holidays from 23 July to 6 September.

​Admission prices have been frozen and are: Adults £14.50, Children £9 (5-16 years), under 5’s free, Concessions £12.50 and a Family ticket £40 (2 adults & up to 3 children). Tickets will be for sale online shortly at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/plan-your-visit/book-tickets. All visitors are reminded that in line with the Museum’s new policy, everyone, including those with annual passes, must pre-book their visit so they can be contacted if there are any changes to the Museum’s opening.

The Museum is also gearing up for a summer of motoring shows and events, all in line with Government advice. At least 14 are being planned to include the return of several popular events such as the Gaydon Land Rover Show and the National Metro and Mini Show. Tickets are now on sale and more information can be found at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on 
​
The British Motor Museum would like to take this opportunity to thank both the Arts Council for its funding and also its loyal staff and visitors for all their support. The Museum is greatly looking forward to welcoming everyone back. 

Transport Museum Wythall is pleased to announce the award of £42,500 from the Arts Council Culture Recovery Fund - Round Two. This grant is sponsored by The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and is designed to help art and culture organisations with recovery from Covid-19 and in consequence, support the future sustainability of such organisations.

TMW will use the funding to recover the effects of income loss from its extended closure period in 2020 and 2021 and enable the restart of its ambitious future plans for the museum (including an exhibition hall extension) and the all-important visitor experience.
TMW Chairman Dave Taylor said, ‘2020 was an extremely challenging year in which our income virtually ground to a halt. Our normal revenue flow will not re-commence until we reopen on May 22nd so this funding is hugely important to us and with its receipt, we applaud the Arts Council and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for raising public awareness of the importance of supporting art and culture’.

​Transport Museum Wythall very much looks forward to welcoming visitors old and new from May 22nd.

We've been busy during lockdown sourcing some fantastic quality items to tempt you including headwear, car sun shades, badges and even an ever-so-slightly-grumpy teddy bear for that someone special in your life. All are quality items as you'd expect from your favourite car group.

​Check out the online store now (click on the image) - everything is available for immediate despatch from stock and we're operating as normal despite the pandemic.

News from the British Motor Museum.

By Richard Edmonds Auctions Ltd.

We wish you all a Happy Easter and hope you're enjoying some spring-like weather with friends and family (at last). We're pushing on here with auctions, the next sales being the weekend of 22nd and 23rd May. On the Saturday we will be offering approximately 500 lots of spares and automobilia whilst the Sunday has been reserved for a long awaited vintage and classic car sale. Our next Petroliana sale is 12th June.

Further select entries invited for these three sales along with our motorcycle sale planned for late June.
We look forward to seeing you again!

Stay safe
From all the R.E.A.L team

Great Dorset Steam Fair has received a grant of £136,000 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen. This award will be used to help towards monthly operating costs over the coming months.

Group members Graham Adams and Sue Clamp invite all members to join them on a tour they have planned and designed for your pleasure. Tour dates are 25-28 June 2021.​

​Day 1 on Saturday the convoy will leave base camp www.haleshallcaravanandcampingpark.com based in Cheadle. The camp site has set aside 14 pitches for our group, so make sure you mention us when booking. ​

From there we head north onto the moorlands with a first coffee stop in Flash, the highest village in England. A visit to the hill climb circuit at Oakamoor is booked. Next we head across country to the town of Buxton before heading towards Macclesfield on the Cat & Fiddle road.

​Lunch stop will be at the newly refurbished Cat & Fiddle Inn, recently reopened with it's own whiskey distillery, suitably fed and watered the tour will continue back towards the campsite.

By Gar Cole.

Rebooked for the 8th May and fully in accordance with the new Road Map rules from the UK Government, the museum will be open to visitors with open top tram rides available and the cafe for provisions, however the indoor museum and display areas remain closed and social distancing of 2 metres will be enforced.