Our last blog described some of the other opportunities and
activities that come our way whilst volunteering at the Museum. However, one of
our colleagues, Ian Hicks, went the extra mile, when in September last year he
volunteered to become one of the prime organisers for the forthcoming British
Motor Museum Symposium on 25 March.
This is Ian’s fascinating story of what it all involved;
“How volunteering at British Motor Museum took me to
Westminster’s Brexit debate"
When I joined the museum as a Collection Centre guide in
April 2016, little did I think that this volunteering would take me to the seat
of democracy, Westminster’s Houses of Parliament, watching the most significant
debate in living memory unfold in front of me.
Back in early February, I found myself meeting Sir Greg
Knight, MP for East Yorkshire, together with Stephen Laing, our curator and
Steve Cropley, Editor in Chief of Autocar and Trustee of the Museum.
The meeting was concluding and Sir Greg invited the three of
us to watch the Brexit debate from the visitor’s gallery in the Commons. We
felt we were watching history in the making as well-known and slightly less
famous politicians debated the impact Brexit would have on the UK’s nuclear
industry.
My route to the Brexit debate started when I met with Emma
Rawlinson. As Family and Lifelong
Learning Officer, Emma was on the lookout for people to help with many
projects, one of which was to organise a symposium. This was a new initiative
for the Museum, which had received funding from the Arts Council for the event. I
have some experience organising similar events, so I was happy to help
out.
Our starting point was a theme for the symposium: A celebration
of the British Motor Car. It was to be a one day event on 25 March. Stephen Laing, Curator of the Museum, had already volunteered to Chair
the event.
Ian, Tim Bryan and
Emma Rawlinson putting the finishing touches to symposium fliers
We wanted to attract a group of well-known industry figures
to present their view of the future of the British Motor Car and the automotive
industry.
As Chairman of the All-party Parliamentary Group for
Historic Vehicles, Sir Greg Knight was high on our list of “must-have”
presenters. Coincidentally, we first approached Sir Greg’s office around the
time of the EU referendum on 23 June. The initial signs were good,
he seemed interested. But to get to speak to the MP and Privy Councillor was
more challenging, especially as the whole Conservative leadership contest was
unfolding following the resignation of David Cameron. We had to wait patiently as the contest
played out and the majority party stabilised again.
While we were waiting, we took the opportunity to sign up
other people on our must-have list. With their expertise in car manufacture in
the Midlands region, we were happy to get the green light from Professor David
Morris and Dr. Jason Begley from Coventry University. David Bailey, Professor at Aston Business
School, regularly appears on television giving his strategic industry overview
of car manufacture in the UK. He knows
the museum well and was happy to support our symposium.
Steve Cropley, Editor in Chief of Autocar and Trustee of the
museum found out about the symposium and was happy to volunteer his services as
a presenter, explaining how the press and social media play an important role
in car ownership decisions. Steve has also been a great help in refining our
marketing messages for the event, he’s a real supporter of the Museum.
Finally, thanks to Stephen Laing’s network, we convinced
Professor David Greenwood, originally with Ricardo, latterly with WMG at the
University of Warwick, to share his views. David is a thought leader and future
technologist. He’s the man to set the scene for battery and hydrogen power,
autonomous vehicles and the like.
So finally, in mid-January, we got an invite to attend the
Houses of Parliament to meet Sir Greg. It turns out he has a real passion for
classic cars. He owns a number of historic cars, including an Allard, a Cord, a
Studebaker, a Rover P5B Coupe and four Jensens! He was really enthused to
explain how he represents the interests of classic car owners against some of
the more interesting planned legislation.
Sir Greg Knight in
his 1952 Allard P1
Since meeting with Sir Greg, it’s been flat out finalising
marketing material, press releases, mail-shots, e-shots and taking all
opportunities to promote the symposium.
As well as relentless promotion and marketing of the symposium we still
have to create flyers for advertising at Museum events, we have to create
presenter and audience packs and arrange all the logistics. There’s lot still
to do.
Then, once we’ve got this one under our belt we’ll be
straight into arranging a Christmas lecture and practical for 12 to
18-year-olds. We’re already planning for symposium events for 2018. It’s
non-stop.”
Further full and up to date details of the Symposium can be
found on the Museums website here
Tickets are still available and can be bought online. I’ve
just bought mine for what will surely be a fascinating and interesting day for
any car enthusiast.
