Group News

Helping Children with Cancer

21/7/2022

Written by Gar Cole.

This will be our classic car groups first ever charity event; we are asking for sponsorship to raise money as we drive the old cars on an epic nine day 1300 mile tour of the rugged Scottish coast starting September 16th.

If you can, please lend your support to a very worthwhile cause - click on the image now to help the children.

Group tour 2023: Anglesey & Snowdonia

2/7/2022

Written by Gar Cole.

Tour Dates: 17-19 June 2023

A fantastic 2 day driving tour of some of the most stunning scenery in Wales.

Saturday will start from Trewan Sands and tour the island of Anglesey, taking in stops at the motor museum, go kart track, Beaumaris Castle, Trearddur Beach and other local beauty spots.

Sunday the convoy will cross the Menai Bridge and head into Snowdonia National Park, climbing the striking mountain roads up-to Llanberis.

Treat yourself to some of the best scenic driving roads in the UK; it’s free to join and everyone is welcome, you just need your fuel and accommodation.

Resto Show '22: wow!

22/3/2022

By Gar Cole.

What can I say apart from ‘ Wow‘!

What a fantastic weekend at the Restoration Show; the team worked brilliantly together to bring my ideas to life. I am a worrier and get stressed because I care about the group and how we are perceived but I need not have worried - everyone checked with me every step of the way if it was how I wanted it.

Special thanks to Mike Peake and Ian Woodward for being my right hand ‘henchmen‘ all weekend and keeping my inner Diva under lock and key. Also huge thanks and respect to the other car displayers Jim Scott and his Cortina who drove down all the way from Gretna Green and Andy Perman who drove the VDP all the way from Portsmouth. Now that’s dedication for you!

My appreciation also goes to Eric Dalton, Lincoln Hunt, Anthony & Pat Osborne and Liam's Page who all provided banners and memorabilia which greatly enhanced our stand as well as giving up time and helping assemble the wood support frames.

Finally massive respect to Head of Admin Paul Sweeney. Despite living in New Zealand I would film the day's GoPro footage and upload it to the cloud. Over breakfast his time Paul would edit the videos, vastly improve them and have them ready for us to watch the next morning. The technology we have now blows my mind.

Have a good rest guys, you really earned it.

In support of Crich Tramway Village

13/12/2020

Following several years of successful shows at the tram museum we are booked in to return there on Saturday 27th March 2021.

The museum has found itself in financial difficulties this year due to the Covid pandemic, and support from the public and car clubs will be important in 2021 to keep the wheels moving at the museum. Entry is free to drivers of classic cars but we would politely suggest a donation of £10 per car to help with museum funds; it's a fascinating piece of British history that we don't want to lose.

On Sunday the group will be following a pre-planned 47-mile route around the stunning Peak District countryside, taking in superb view points, a water mill, pre arranged lunch stop and passing through the iconic Swainsley tunnel.

The more the merrier to help support Crich - no limit on numbers and all classics welcome, not just pre 85 Brits. Enquiries to Gar Cole - you can find more information and indicate your interest via the button below.

I'm keen - sign me up

Introducing B Odge & Sons autorepairs and sales

13/1/2020

by Gar Cole

Today I've been out distributing flyers for the 2020 NEC restoration show. This is part of the deal for having a stand. Done the local shopping centres, bus and train stations plus the airport!

We have taken these shows very seriously for the last few years; last March we had over £1 million worth of vehicles on display and just last November we took home the sponsors award for cars they would most like to own.

This year we will be taking a more light-hearted approach and having some fun; we will attempt to recreate a typical 1970s/80s-era back street garage, the ones you saw everywhere back then. There will be four regular everyday motors on the stand - 2 in for repair on ramps and 2 on sale.

We are sourcing lots of stand memorabilia such as signs, tools, a krypton tuner etc etc, bunting, flags and my wee 9ft caravan will be dressed up as the ' office '. Three of us will be in boiler suits and 3 in camel hair coats and trilby hats.

If you think this sounds a like a laugh come and visit 'B Odge & Sons autorepairs and sales' at stand 590, hall 5. Now's a good time to remind everyone you can get discounts on your tickets using our unique club code which you can find here.

Group Polo Shirts and Fleeces now available

23/11/2019

by Admin

New 2020 design polo shirts and fleeces adorned with our group logo are available to order now in the online shop. If you intend to collect your items in person from Gar, please select "Pickup from Store" when ordering.

All clothing will be ordered in the default Royal Blue colour but there are other colours available. Please follow the instructions in the store listings if you want an alternative colour.

Winners!

11/11/2019

by Gar Cole.

I think it's fair to say that 2019's Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show has been our most successful to date, despite having one of the smaller pitches compared to the past. We crammed it with 5 diverse and fabulous vehicles; I saw people show every emotion from surprise, delight, envy and appreciation, you just couldn't ignore the stand.

Massive thanks to the 5 vehicles owners Paul Green, John Dickson, Mick Taylor, Nick Arthur and Tosh and Gus Brooks. You guys gave brilliant support all weekend from setting up to chatting with the public, special thanks also to Phil Allin, Gill Taylor, Lincoln hunt , Ian Woodward and Bernard Owen for helping with setting up and manning the stand. It was a lovely and genuine surprise when our stand won it's first award for the collection of vehicles the judges would most like to take home. A big thanks to Dave Youngs at Lancaster for all your support.

Last but definitely not least our head admin Paul Sweeney who does a lot behind the scenes folks never see, helping me with the show forms and emails from the different departments as well as managing the website and online shop, and of course my fellow 'fat bloke' Mike Peake for his tireless support and enthusiasm for these show, it was a team effort and we nailed it!😀

2020 Manx Mountainous Rally Tour

9/10/2019

by Gar Cole

Date: Saturday 26th September 2020

To celebrate the joint 60th birthdays of Group members Nick Arthur and Gus Brooks I'm announcing by far our most ambitious driving tour to date, taking place on Saturday 26th September 2020 .

The convoy will meet at the Quayside in Castletown on the southern tip of the island with members of the islands classic car club , from here we head across to Port Erin, then we will head north using as many rural and coastal roads up the western side of the island, taking in towns with such great names as Peel, Ballaugh, The Cronk, Jurby and the northern-most village of Bride.

From here the route heads south down the East coast through Ramsey and stopping at the Laxey wheel, the largest water wheel in the world, just next door we will park up and take a ride on the Snaefell electric mountain cog railway to enjoy the amazing scenery.

To finish up the convoy will head into Douglas for a pre booked celebration birthday dinner at one of the larger promenade hotels/restaurants .

To answer a few frequently asked questions as best I can:

the tour is completely free to join but naturally the ferry has to be paid for
the average price from Liverpool to Douglas with return journey for 1 car with 2 passengers is approx £220.00
the island has a wealth of campsites, chalets, B&B.s. and hotels, I recommend sourcing your own accommodation through booking . Com or air bnb etc , but we're aiming to be based in the area between Douglas and Castletown.

This is a joint tour with our sister group Pre Millennial Motors, so all vehicles British and foreign built before 2000 are welcome.
Feeling adventurous?

Sign up for the tour

2020 Driving Tour to the Jurassic Coast

2/10/2019

by Gar Cole

Our first driving tour of 2020 promises to be a cracker, starting from the picturesque coastal village of Charmouth on Dorset's 'World Heritage Jurassic Coast ' the tour will follow the beautiful B3157 coast road passing through West Bay, Bridport, Weymouth, Abbotsbury and reaching Portland Bill for a refreshment stop at the Lighthouse restaurant.

From Portland Bill the convoy will take a different route back to Charmouth via Cerne Abbas, Maiden Newton, Beaminster and a refreshment stop at the Half Moon at Netherbury. Beautiful country roads, quaint villages and great scenery with endless photo opportunities.

Upon returning to Charmouth we will park in the secure beach car park. A cooking permit has been acquired to have a BBQ and dinner on the grass land surrounding the beach. Food will be cooked by my brother who is a Charmouth native and an excellent cook; you're all welcome to join us.

This is a joint meet with our sister group Pre Millennial Motor Vehicles group; hope to see you there.

Sign up for the tour

New club event - Yorkshire Moors driving tour!

20/8/2019

by Gar Cole

Driving tour - Saturday 23 November 2019, Yorkshire

To celebrate Bernard Owens ' our groups elder sage ' 80th birthday and to break up the long winter months we have decided to do a scenic drive during November along the stunning Yorkshire Moors.

Starting from the Cross Keys Hotel in Upsall, we will cross the Moors to Pickering Station, explore the local attractions, drive on from there to Goathland, whose village and station featured in Heartbeat and the Harry Potter films.

From here we will take the coastal road down to Whitby for an organised Fish and Chip lunch, finally a visit to Whitby Abbey ruins for photos with our cars before returning to the hotel.

Expect the weather to be bitterly cold, all vehicles welcome on this tour either classic or modern. You are welcome to just join us for the Saturday drive or if you prefer some of us are staying the weekend at the Cross Keys Inn near Guisborough Friday and Saturday night.

It is free to book through booking.com and you pay at the hotel, you can cancel free of charge up to 24hrs before check-in if we have to cancel due to snow.

Feeling brave? Then see you there! 😀

Click here to confirm your attendance

We want your classics for the NEC Restoration Show 2019

23/12/2018

by Gar Cole and Paul Sweeney

EXCELLENT NEWS!

We have once again been offered a club stand at next March's Restoration Show at the NEC. It is easily our largest stand to date at a whopping 142 sq mt, which means we should have room for up to 8 display vehicles. On top of that we are right next to the live action at the Sporting Bears Dream Rides in Hall 5, stand 060.

Some of the gang in 2018

The cars on our 2018 stand

Offer your classic for display on our stand

We are looking now for members' classics to display on our stand.
Here is the deal if yours is selected:

You must make your own arrangements to transport your vehicle to and from the NEC at your own expense
You must be present to help set up on the Thursday and close down on Sunday
You will be rostered to man the stand for at least one day of the show
You will receive 2 free entry wristbands for each day of the show
You will receive a free parking pass for your modern vehicle (if required)
Insurance cover for your vehicle whilst at the show (if required) is your own responsibility
Enthusiasts of British Motor Vehicles Built Before 1985 cannot accept liability for loss or damage to your vehicle during the event however caused - participation is strictly at your own risk

We realise this is a major commitment in time, money and effort but will do our best to make you feel welcome and part of the team. Those who have displayed previously tell us it was a great experience.

If you are happy with the terms above, please complete the form below including at least one high quality photo of your classic. Make it a good one as its likely to be "make or break" in terms of whether your classic is chosen.

ENTRIES CLOSE midnight GMT 31 December 2018

Morgan Motors Factory Tour now available

5/12/2018

Following on from the success of the Jaguar tour and by popular request the group will be making an official visit to the Morgan Motors Factory in Malvern. You will see arguably the last true British car company still employing traditional construction methods and it should be fascinating.

We have picked the 22nd February to help break up the long dark winter ahead, plus with onsite parking and restaurant it doesn't matter if the weather is poor.

Priced at a very reasonable £24.50 per adult + £1 fees and processing.

Friday, 22 February 2019 from 11:00-13:30 GMT
Pickersleigh Road, Great Malvern, WR14 2LL

Please note we are making a group booking, so you will not receive an individual ticket - all you will need is the confirmation email issued when you purchase your place(s).

Our club stand at the 2018 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with Discovery

26/8/2018

by Gar Cole

Location of our stand in Hall 8

The line up is taking shape for our stand at this November's classic Motor show with Discovery. Let me introduce the stars:

1928 Morris pickup owned by Matt Harris
1948 Rover 16 six light saloon owned by Alan Crown
1958 Standard Pennant owned by the Brooks Brothers
1962 Morris Minor owned by Bernard Owen
1966 Crayford convertible mini owned by John & Elaine Fisher
1952 Hillman Minx owned by Dale Scutter

Come and see them all on our stand in Hall 8!

Win a family ticket for 5 people to attend this November's NEC classic motor show

6/8/2018

by Gar Cole

Roll up, Roll up, it's ' Treasure Hunt ' time. I recently arranged to have our group name painted on an important piece of British history, immortalising our group into the future and possibly long after were gone,

Can you guess what this is and where it's located?

How to enter

The first group member to visit this place and take their photo pointing at our group name will receive a family ticket for 5 people to attend this November's NEC Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show and we will include a free car park pass, this prize is worth over £70.00,

Responses MUST be posted in our Facebook group - comments posted on this page will not be entered in the competition.

Grille badge Batch #2 - update

1/4/2018

by Paul Sweeney & Gar Cole

As planned, we closed to grille badge orders at midnight on Saturday 31 March and no further orders are now being accepted.

The next step is to place the order for Batch #2 with the manufacturer and since its presently Easter Weekend, this will happen during week commencing 2 April. Once the order has been placed and payment made, everyone (that's well over 60 of you) with an order in Batch #2 will receive a personalised email from the group shop informing them their order is "Processing". It will remain so for the duration of the manufacturing process which we anticipate will take in the region of 8-12 weeks.

We will issue updates as and when there is anything to report, but you should expect a long quiet period starting now, so please don't worry. We have been here before, and are confident your badges will arrive eventually - and trust us, they really are worth waiting for!

Grille Badges - calling Last Orders for Batch #2

25/3/2018

by Paul Sweeney & Gar Cole

Orders will close for Batch #2 of our very popular Grille/Bar Badges at midnight GMT this Saturday, 31 March. It currently seems unlikely there will be any more made available in the future, so this is in all likelihood the final opportunity to get one.

All those who have placed orders in this second batch will receive an email informing them that their order is "Being Processed" as soon as the order has been placed with the manufacturer - this should be during the week commencing Monday 2 April.

Expect a wait for delivery of approx 8-12 weeks from then; updates will be issued by email as and when there is anything to report, but be warned - the manufacturers do not provide regular progress updates.

Club Grille Badges - final week to place an order

22/3/2018

by Paul Sweeney & Gar Cole

In one week's time, we will stop taking orders for our very popular grille badges and the order will go to the manufacturer. This may very well be the final batch, so we suggest everyone treats this as the last chance to get one of these high quality badges - once the order's gone in, we cannot add more.

Its coming - the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show with Discovery

15/3/2018

by Paul Sweeney & Gar Cole

In just over a week we will be exhibiting at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery. We’re getting ready to join over 150 classic vehicle clubs taking part at this friendly action-packed show. Come along for expert advice or just a chat and see what the club that shares your passion is getting up to.

Call 0844 858 6758 or book online at www.necrestorationshow.com

Club Members benefit from discounted tickets on Saturday 24th or Sunday 25th March if booked in advance – see the show advert for promotion codes and T&Cs on our Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/events/108847486491129

For a taste of what to expect on our club stand in Hall 5, just click here: www.britishmotorvehicles.com/events-archive/practical-classics-classic-car-restoration-show-with-discovery-march-2018

Order your club grille badge now - Batch #2

12/3/2018

by Paul Sweeney & Gar Cole

We are taking orders now for the 2nd (and possibly final) batch of our high quality grille badges. An order will be placed at the end of this month and there may well be no more after that, so if you want one - get your order in now before it's too late!

We are now taking orders for club grille badges - Batch #2

8/3/2018

by Paul Sweeney and Gar Cole

The first batch of club grille badges sold out quickly and the feedback has been very positive. Many members who missed the first batch have been asking for them - so we are now accepting orders for Batch #2.

Because orders with the manufacturer must be for at least 25 badges, there is no guarantee that there will be another batch available in the future, so if you like the look of it (and who wouldn't?) order yours now to avoid disappointment - this could be the last opportunity.

The batch order will be placed with the manufacturer on or around Monday 2 April 2018, so make sure you order before then.

Please remember:

Grille badges are NOT held in stock - they are manufactured to order, which takes time. We anticipate approx 8-12 weeks from the date a batch order is placed with the manufacturer which will be on or after 2 April 2018.

Order now

To order yours, click on the "Buy now" link on the left. You will be asked for full payment via PayPal; the shipping cost will be calculated when you enter your delivery address. We deliver worldwide.

The order will not be placed with the manufacturer until we have orders for at least the minimum number (25) and new orders have stopped arriving. In the event we fail to reach the minimum number, no order will be placed and your payment will be refunded.

Delivery:
The anticipated 8-12 week delivery time scale begins when we place the order with the manufacturer on or after 2 April 2018 - NOT when your payment is received by us. We ship worldwide.

Sign up for email updates from Admin

23/2/2018

by Paul Sweeney & Gar Cole

Many of you have asked to be notified when our popular club grille badges are available for order again.

In an effort to create a reliable and simple process, we have set up a mailing list that will be used to issue member updates about group news, new blogs and special offers - so if you want to be sure you don't miss out when we have something to communicate, simply sign up below and we will automatically send you an email when there is news.

NEC Show March 2018 - Non-UK members help needed

10/12/2017

by Paul Sweeney and Gar Cole

You might already be aware that we are delighted to have a stand at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show with Discovery in March 2018.

The selection process for vehicles to display on our stand is already well in hand and purely for logistical reasons this tends to limit us to UK-based members vehicles, but this year we want to involve our global membership too. How? Well, we have decided to acquire a display board for our stand, so the plan is to display the best quality overseas members' vehicle photos on it.

So, we want great quality photos of non-UK members' pre-85 British motors to show on the wall to demonstrate to the show-going public, organisers and judges that our membership is genuinely global.

Send 'em in if you're proud of your Brit!

CLOSED 17/01/2018 - NO MORE SUBMISSIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED.

2018 Group Calendars now available in our online shop

5/12/2017

by Paul Sweeney and Gar Cole

Our 2017 calendars were very popular and the 2018 version featuring our competition winners cars is now available in the shop! Priced at just £8.99 + shipping, they make a fantastic Christmas present for the classic car fan in your life. Why not order two and have one for yourself as well?

Visit our online shop to order yours.

Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show - NEC November 10-12, 2017

30/6/2017

by Gar Cole & Paul Sweeney

Great news - we just heard that we have bagged a stand at the November show! This will be our first appearance at the UK's premier classic motor show - hopefully the first of many.

Our stand will be in Hall 4 this time, close to the Auto Jumble area. Its an end stand next to the restaurant as you can see on the floor plan shown below. Gar Cole will now go into organisational overdrive and more news will be shared as it becomes available. There will be camping available for what Gar calls "the intrepid"!

To those who offered their cars for display - we will look at the final selections very shortly and let you all know as soon as we can.

Club discount price tickets will be made available in due course. The organisers describe the event thus:

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, is the Biggest and Best Classic Motor Show in the UK! The event welcomes classic car enthusiasts from all over the UK and beyond to share their passion for classics. This year’s show will be held from 10-12 November 2017 at Birmingham's NEC and will showcase over 2,500 amazing classic cars and motorbikes covering over one million square feet – that’s about 12 football pitches!

The most diverse mix of marques will be showcased by 240 classic car and bike clubs from across the UK, displaying rare and loved classics that span more than 100 years. As well as a fantastic number of vehicles, you can also visit the UK’s biggest indoor Autojumble, a haven of parts and spares for anyone working on their car, as well as 650 specialist exhibitors and traders, offering a mix of products and services. With stunning classics, fantastic features, motoring celebrities and much more, this is the must-attend event of the classic calendar and a truly magnificent season finale!

Hall 4 floor plan showing the location of our stand

More information follows as and when.

NEWS Update: Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show(November 2017)

6/6/2017

by Paul Sweeney and Gar Cole

Some of you will recall we threw our group hat (no it's not a yellow bowlie!) into the draw for a stand at this November's Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

The disappointing news is that we were unlucky on this occasion but we are on the reserve list, so may be offered a stand if another group pulls out (this happens often).

So for now, our sincere thanks to all those that offered their cars as exhibits. We will let you know if and when a stand becomes available.

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