12 February, 2014
Owners of vintage vehicles are invited to sign up for one of the country's best-loved annual classic car runs along a picturesque 80-mile route through some of England's most beautiful countryside.
Entries are being invited for The Classic Run, which will take in some of Gloucestershire’s most stunning scenery in June this year. The charitable event, now in its 19th year, is organised by Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club. "Participants are encouraged to wear period costume," said rotarian Mark Benstock, the chief organiser. "An award will be presented to the entrants judged most appropriately dressed for the period of their vehicles."
The Classic Run is open to pre-1989 cars, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles; just make sure your classic car insurance is valid and up to date before heading over to join the fun.
Mr Benstock said all owners are welcome to take part - but are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. The event, which starts in Chipping Sodbury, will take place on Sunday June 29. It will begin in Broad Street and take in 80 miles of glorious sights along the county's roads before finishing in the Severn Valley.
This year's event is expected to exceed the 2013 run, which attracted a record 200 entrants and raised £10,000 for charitable causes nominated by Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club and the drivers themselves. This was a considerable improvement on the 2012 total of £6,250 and reflected the event's burgeoning popularity. Last year's drive included a coffee stop at Newant and finished with lunch at Old Down Manor.
The start is watched by hundreds of residents and local dignitaries including the town's mayor, who traditionally starts the event. Mr Benstock said: "Feedback after each event is always encouraging and one of last year’s entrants said it was a ‘well planned and signed route through lovely countryside with well organised breaks for coffee and lunch made for a most enjoyable day for all participants. Since 1996 the club has raised more than £90,000 with all proceeds donated to various charities including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.”
Any owner of a vintage car wishing to participate can contact Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club on 01454 311 712 or email rotary.classic.run@hotmail.co.uk for an entry form.
COMMENT