A busy year
Helping out at shows and events, either organised by the
Heritage Motor Centre (HMC), or where it has a presence, has now become a
regular opportunity for the volunteers, allowing us to do something different. The
number and success of events put on by the HMC at Gaydon has increased year on
year, as well as the number of local shows it attends.
There is a hardcore of around 20 volunteers who regularly
attend these events and often a ballot is required to pick who gets to
represent the centre. One of the
attractions is no doubt the fact that we often get the chance to drive a rare
or classic car to an event.
So, where have we been and what have we done?
Club Expo, Saturday 28th February. This was one of several of these
events held at the HMC, attended by six volunteers. The event comprised
workshops, talks and seminars where clubs and suppliers could learn more about each
other and gain useful hints and tips.
The last Mini
made at Longbridge on display Volunteers give help and advice at Club Expo
Pride of Longbridge,
Saturday 18th April. This was our second visit to this event, attended by three
volunteers. Being a Longbridge event, the HMC decided quite rightly that the
vehicle to take for display was to be the very last Mini Cooper built at
Longbridge. One very happy volunteer was allowed to drive it to and from the
event.
Classic Virgins,
also on 18th April. Back at the HMC, a further five volunteers took a very
active role at this sell-out event, which is designed to encourage and support
potential British classic car owners. Some of the volunteers brought along
their own classic cars and were able to offer rides and give firsthand
experience and advice.
Stratford Festival of
Motoring, Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May. Eight volunteers attended this
popular event over the two day Bank Holiday weekend. Our stand was in the middle of the town and
on display were a 1936 MG SA and a 1985 MG Metro 6R4.
Warwick Show and Tell
event, Friday 5th May. Four volunteers attended, where a white 1971 Mini Cooper
S Mk111 from the collection was on display.
Museums at Night,
Saturday 16th May. This was a new event at the HMC, where members of the public
were allowed a behind-the-scenes tour. Four volunteers were on hand and part of
their task on the night was to try and record some interesting interviews on
car related topics for the "Car Stories" project. A blog on this will
follow later.
Coventry Festival of
Motoring, Saturday 30th and
Sunday 31st May. This was probably the biggest event we have covered so far
this year. Six volunteers attended over the two days and three cars were on
display: a 1965 Alvis TE21 saloon, a 1934 Standard 10/12 Speedline and the big
crowd puller, the 1963 Le Mans Rover BRM gas turbine car. This car also did a
demonstration run on the ring road, but alas, not by a volunteer on this occasion.
The Rover BRM at
Coventry. Volunteer Chris (far right) was part of the Le Mans team in 1965
MG Live at
Silverstone, Saturday 20th June. Two volunteers were required for this
event where the HMC's presence was to promote its archive department.
More events are in the pipeline for the remainder of the
year, with two big three day events among them, the Silverstone Classic and the NEC
Classic Car Show.
Future events and shows at the Heritage Motor Centre at
Gaydon can be found here