The Federation recognises the contribution that road transport has made to our national heritage and believes that the historic vehicle movement has an important part to play in making this transport heritage accessible to the public. The annual Drive It Day has the dual purpose of both demonstrating the wealth of fascinating machines of all types and ages that are kept in this country and highlighting the large numbers of people engaged in this interest.
FBHVC, which has a director with specific responsibility for heritage matters, has for some time been keen to link historic vehicles with the well established heritage world that concentrates so much on historic houses and gardens. This arrangement has been very successful in other countries, particularly France, where it is seen to be of benefit in promoting both the vehicle movement and heritage properties.
Heritage Open Days are days on which properties in England that are normally closed to the public, or which normally charge an admission fee, are open to the public free of charge. The scheme, co-ordinated by English Heritage, is intended to celebrate the wealth of our architectural and cultural heritage. These open days take place over a long weekend in September each year, the 2010 dates being 9th to 12th. More details can be found at www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Since historic vehicles, whether they are motor cars, motor cycles, steam, agricultural, commercial or ex-military, form an important part of our engineering heritage, FBHVC is keen to participate and develop the continental practice of staging displays of appropriate historic vehicles at as many of these venues as practical.
A pilot exercise was carried out last year as part of the UK Heritage Day on 12 September with vehicles displayed in the forecourt at Baddesley Clinton, a National Trust property in Warwickshire.
The display of vehicles was organised by Peter Lockley Chairman of the Standard Motor Club in conjunction with the TR Register. The cars ranged from a 1930 fabric bodied Standard Teignmouth to Triumph TR6s from 1971.
The setting at Baddesley Clinton is idyllic and we were blessed with a warm sunny day and nearly 1300 visitors attended. Alan Langstaff the property Manager at Baddesley Clinton was delighted with the outcome and said at the end “A lot of interest had been shown in the vehicles and they were a valuable addition to the day”.
Historical vehicles, whether they are motor cars, motor cycles, steam, agricultural, commercial or ex-military, form an important part of our engineering heritage.
Seen here are Geoff Smith, FBHVC vice president, with Peter Lockley, chairman of the Standard Motor Club, and Alan Langstaff, property manager of Baddesley Clinton.
Heritage in general is often mainly associated with just the architectural side but it is equally important to recognise the products which emerged from some of those buildings!
FBHVC joined Heritage Link, now known as The Heritage Alliance (HA), in 2008 with mutual benefits. HA represents a wide grouping of heritage interests in UK. FBHVC numbers increase HA’s influence, while HA’s work provides FBHVC with a source of valuable information on government thinking in relation to heritage, an area that is outside the scope of FBHVC’s normal monitoring efforts.
For the same reason the Federation has also joined Europa Nostra, which describes itself as “the voice of cultural heritage in Europe”. This has brought us to the attention of their other non-engineering members and given them an awareness of the importance of the historic vehicle movement. It helps for the movement to be recognised as an essential part of heritage worldwide rather than just as a disparate group of not-so-very-green people who use old vehicles.
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) stages a number of programmes across Europe where shows of historic vehicles(such as taking part in exhibitions linked with European Heritage Days) are emphasising the variety and importance of vehicle heritage. FBHVC strongly supports FIVA’s efforts to be accepted as part of the UNESCO Heritage movement and every effort will be made to make this our next important step.
A Grand Day Out
The Federation has for some time been keen to link historic vehicles with the well established heritage world that concentrates so much on historic houses and gardens. This arrangement has been very successful in other countries, particularly France, where it is seen to be of benefit in promoting both the vehicle movement and heritage properties. An historic vehicle display would hopefully enhance the property for a particular day or event.
We are delighted to report that, following our approach to the National Trust, a number of property managers have contacted us to offer their locations for the display of historic vehicles. Some are very small, others much larger. The Federation does not have the manpower resources to make the actual arrangements and neither would it be right for us to do so but by following this link to a list of available properties our membership organisations may contact these locations directly and enjoy a day out with their vehicles.
In addition Chastleton House is keen to get some historic cars, particularly 1930s-1940s vehicles, for the vintage summer garden party on Sunday 25 July. In return for car-owners bringing their vehicles half-price tickets to the event are offered and parking at the front of the house. Normal ticket price is £18 and this includes Pimm’s, strawberries and cream, vintage jazz and croquet on the lawn for those who are interested. Please contact Nicola Dyer Tel: 01608 674 355, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Links to:
Heritage Link
http://www.heritagelink.org.uk/
English Heritage
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Heritage Open Days
http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
Europa Nostra
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