Craig Cheetham on why smaller can still be mighty…
Putting these pages together every month is a genuine pleasure, because the generosity and kindness displayed by my fellow classic car enthusiasts is awe-inspiring and humbling.
But there’s one thing about writing Charity Heroes that’s a little frustrating – albeit not unexpected. Often, I have to dig around to find the true depth of people’s charitable endeavours, and that’s because the most selfless people in society are often also the most modest. They’ll go out, raise thousands for the benefit of others, and then humbly disappear into the background.
It was only after speaking to their director, Peter Hodgson, that I discovered the true depth and brilliance of the fundraising activities of the Vectis Historic Vehicle Club, for example. Based on the Isle of Wight, the members are fishing in a small pond so far as charitable donations are concerned. But they’re punching far above their weight in terms of what they’ve managed to achieve – as our main story on these pages illustrates only too well. They are surely the very definition of Charity Heroes.
The thing is, they’re not the only ones who are tirelessly rattling the cash tin in order to improve the lives of those around them; I know for a fact that there are unsung heroes across the nation whose efforts are equal.
These pages are for you to recognise them, so please take a moment this month to think if you or your own club deserves the recognition. The answer is that, if you have earned money for charity this year, you most certainly do.
Got a charity event coming up or know a hero?
It’s time we give people the kudos they deserve!
If you, your car club or your friends have any activity planned to raise money for charity, we absolutely want to hear about it and talk about it in these pages. Please drop us a line at practicalclassics@bauermedia.co.uk and we’ll help you in any way we can.
FOCUSING ON...
Isle of Wight heroes mark 50 years of raising thousands of pounds for good causes
This month, it’s a privilege to be giving coverage to an group of enthusiasts amazing who have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the good of others over half a century.
The Vectis Historic Vehicle Club started life as the Isle of Wight Veteran Machinery Club in 1973 and has been going strong ever since, raising funds for charities all over the island as well as staging a big annual fundraiser for the IoW’s Mountbatten Hospice.
Today, the club has more than 220 members, who own a variety of vehicles dating from the Twenties to the Noughties. It organises a wide variety of events throughout the year, including a monthly Sunday afternoon tea run, involving a 20- to 30-mile road run to a chosen venue, where afternoon tea
