FBHVC Press Release.

Firstly, the Federation would like to lend its support to the hardworking staff at the DVLA who have been dealing with a hugely increased workload in the wake of personnel shortages brought about by the pandemic. We think every workplace can relate to the struggles of the past 18-months.

The Federation, through our constant dialogue with the DVLA and our close working relationship built up over many years, has managed to put systems in place whereby our member clubs, their representatives and experts on the ground are able to assist the DVLA through the outsourcing of certain elements of registration processes to the historic vehicle community. These have included in the past the V765 scheme but also more recently, the validation of imports and VHI applications. We believe these established processes are key to helping the DVLA deal with the backlog for historic vehicles and effectively outsources much of the investigative process and verification the historic vehicle community.

​We understand that although there have been increased turnaround times, the DVLA for our sector at least, are beginning to get back on top of applications and have been in dialogue with them now to understand how best we can lend our assistance. Our focus is always to ensure that historic vehicles that should be on the road are on the road and being enjoyed by their owners and the public as quickly as possible.

​As a result of those recent discussions on how we can assist the DVLA, the FBHVC has now been officially appointed as key stakeholder in the DVLA. The DVLA have put in place and a newly designated relationship manager to work through the various pain points for the historic vehicle community in partnership with the FBHVC. 

​A spokesperson for the DVLA said:

This new exhibition from the British Motor Museum 'Factor Us In' will  open on 22 July and is the culmination of a two year-project to uncover the fascinating stories behind the motor industry and of the people who worked and lived around it. In a year where the sense of community is more important than ever, the Museum wants to encourage local people to engage with the history on their doorstep, the history of an industry that has dominated the West Midlands for more than a century.
 
‘Factor Us In’ puts the spotlight firmly on how the motor industry in the West Midlands affected people, the local landscape and surrounding businesses. The exhibition will look at the societal impact of the factories, the highs and lows of their production, as well as everyday life and reflect on the legacies they left behind.
 
The exhibition will primarily focus on recollections from the communities of Canley in Coventry, Longbridge in Birmingham and Lode Lane, Solihull. It explores the community response to key moments across the industry including manufacturing booms, strike actions, the subsequent loss of industry and recent efforts for redevelopment and diversification in employment.
 
‘Factor Us In’ uses a combination of the Museum’s rich collections of archival material, artefacts and oral history videos and recordings to illustrate those themes. Its style is very much of overheard conversations, celebrating the people that helped make the factory communities what they are today. The exhibition will evolve continually throughout its run and so the Museum is very keen to engage with more people to incorporate their own recollections during its lifetime, unlocking more stories of motor car communities.
 
The exhibition will run from 22 July 2021 until summer 2022. Alongside the physical temporary exhibition, the Museum will also have an online counterpart. ‘Factor Us in’ has in part been made possible by generous funding of Arts Council England.
 
The exhibition is included as part of a normal Museum entry.  Museum entry is £14.50 for adults, £12.50 for concessions, £9 for children (5-16 years) and under 5s are FREE.  There is also the option to Gift Aid or donate your entry fee and get an Annual Pass in return, at no extra cost. 
 
To find out more information about the exhibition please visit the website at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/factor-us-in
If you have a factory community story that you would like to share, or perhaps some artefacts you would like to loan for display then please email museum@britishmotormuseum.co.uk 

During the recent lockdown, the Federation unveiled an interactive map of transport museums across the UK and the Federation’s museum members have since been updating it with details of their exciting displays and activities. The aim being to give the nation’s custodians of Transport Heritage a valuable channel through which they can promote their activities, connect with enthusiasts and clubs plus work together as part of a connected community working towards post-pandemic recovery for all museums.

The directory is being continually updated and if you’re looking for an interesting day out, then just take a look at what the directory of museums has to offer. Recent highlights include: 

The FBHVC also works in partnership with the National Association of Road Transport Museums (NARTM) and their details; accessible via https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/museums, lists many other bus museums. Also consider larger museums like the British Motor Museum, Brooklands Museum, Haynes International Motor Museum, National Motorcycle Museum and National Motor Museum who offer spectacular collections, meets, events and other activities.

​Most recently, the Haynes International Motor Museum have announced three exhibitions opening today; the Williams F1 exhibition, ‘John Haynes OBE - The Man, The Manuals and The Museum’ exhibition and ‘The Red Room’ exhibition. So, help us to support our nation’s museums as we head out of pandemic restrictions and in to a new era of celebrating, experiencing and enjoying the UK’s transport heritage. Visit: https://www.fbhvc.co.uk 

The FBHVC National Drive-It Day in support of Childline® was a huge success for the historic vehicle community across the UK, both in terms of getting historic vehicles seen on the nation’s roads to raise awareness of our movement but also in raising money to support the vital NSPCC Childline® service.

Whether it was small, socially distanced groups or individual journeys, the UK was graced by thousands of enthusiasts collectively hitting the roads to show off our nation’s transport heritage and support a cause that supports many young lives across the UK every day. The FBHVC can announce that the funds raised so far now exceeds £30,000, with Childline® plate sales continuing for postponed or delayed events later in the year. The money was raised mainly through the sale of the official FBHVC Childline® Plates and donations.

For more information view www.driveitday.co.uk where a gallery of images from 25th April 2021 can be seen. David Whale, FBHVC Chairman explains, “The amount raised means that the historic vehicle community will join together to fund ‘One Unforgettable Day’ meaning that the NSPCC’s Childline activities will be completely funded by our community for a whole 24 - hour period, which was our ambitious aim when we started this journey a year ago.”

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO said, ”Sponsoring Childline® for one day leaves a lasting impact on the hundreds of children who will have a counselling session that day – for some children, this might be the first time they have reached out for support and been listened to. The NSPCC are overwhelmed by the support of the FBHVC and the Historic Vehicle Community who have supported Drive it Day to make the first year of this meaningful partnership such a success.”

The One Unforgettable Day has been earmarked for 12th November 2021, the opening day of the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham, where both FBHVC and NSPCC representatives will be on hand to explain more about what the NSPCC’s Childline® does and offer help and advice for clubs wanting to run events in 2022.

If you missed out on a Childline® plate, or you have delayed your Drive - it - Day activities, the FBHVC still have a small number available and, of course, you can still donate via www.driveitday.co.uk. Sales and donations pages will remain open into the summer.

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.

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.

TMW and Covid-19 schedule
From August 2020 TMW provided the socially distanced safety of online booking at scheduled times, a one-way system around the halls and shop, a convenient ‘outdoor’ café and sanitised free bus rides for all. This theme will continue for the season start as a form of social distancing is expected to be retained into the spring. As the rules change, TMW will amend its schedule as appropriate – watch the website.
​
The season commences on 27 March with opening times of 11.00-16.30 on Saturdays, bank holiday Sundays and Mondays, Wednesdays during school holidays and half terms until 31 October. Event days will be open from 10.30–17.00.

New vehicles on the road in 2021
An autumn reshuffle and rework programme has released a number of new vehicles for 2021, all of which will be available for rides during the year. Out of hibernation come:
1937 Trent AEC Regal/Willowbrook RC 4615 
1953 Walsall Corporation Leyland Royal Tiger PDH 808 
1960 BMMO D10 prototype 943 KHA 
1965 BMMO CM6T BHA 656C 
Birmingham City Transport standards, 1948 Leyland Titan PD2/1 HOV 685 and 1953 Guy Arab IV 2976. These two vehicles have received front end rebuilds to renovate structural corrosion issues along with partial repaints.

​Private owner vehicles welcome
Private owners are very welcome to attend with their vehicles on any running day but particularly on the special event days. Please contact bookings@wythall.org.uk or download the form from the website.