Classic Christmas cards supporting the Ben charity

by Admin

This year, send great cards and support a great cause

Good members of this fine parish, one of our fine members David Burke asked if we could promote a worthy cause. Its not something we usually do but after reading up its history its a charity close to many classic vehicle lovers hearts and the entire Admin team immediately wanted to support this one.

Here's a quick overview of the 'Ben' charitable organisation 
Ben was founded in 1905 by A J Wilson while he was working for Dunlop tyres, and was originally called the Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund. At the time there were only a few hundred cars on the road and the automotive industry had yet to be born but by 1908, recognising the unstoppable rise of the car, ‘Motor’ was added to the fund’s name and in 1924 it became The Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund. The fund’s original aims were to provide help to people who fell on hard times (there was no welfare system until after WWII) by handing out grants via a network of local offices.

Over the years various other benevolent funds were amalgamated into Ben, including coachbuilders and agricultural engineering, and the charity ​now supports people from right across automotive and its allied trades. In 1947 Ben bought the Lynwood site for £16,000 and opened a care home there in 1948. The fund moved from its London W1 HQ to Lynwood in 1972 and they’ve been there ever since. Ben now runs three residential care centres and a day centre and their support services deliver far more than just grants, but the central aim – to help those in need – remains true.

So here's the pitch bit! Click on the button just below and choose from a range of classic car Christmas cards - send them off to the classic car lovers in your life and feel the festive felicitations sprinkle stardust on thy soul (yes we know it's only September but it will be almost November by the time you have read this)!

Order now

Note: Enthusiasts of British Motor Vehicles Built Before 1985 has no connection or affiliation with the Ben charity - we simply think it's a good cause worth supporting.