21st December

Scaremongering - again!

Several e-mails and a telephone call received today suggest that the e-petition calling on the Prime Minister to reject proposals to ban or restrict the use of older cars that we debunked in June in our Newsletter 3/2007 has been given a new lease of life. We do, of course, fully support the principle, but the problem comes with the explanatory note, which says:- Several EU proposals across the years are dangerous to the classic car movement. One that has been under consideration is to ban the use of cars older than 10 years. Similarly, Edinburgh City Council is considering the banning of cars over 15 years old from the town centre. These, and similar, proposals directly threaten the classic car movement, and encourage the manufacture of new cars, with the attendant environmental issues of sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, distributing and scrapping the spiralling supply of new vehicles. This is ill-informed and unnecessary scaremongering that helps no-one: it resonates with those who are determined to see the worst in what is going on round us, and spreads the myth that government and EU have ‘got it in for us’. Experience suggests the opposite, but we would be pleased if the sponsor of that e-petition (or anyone else for that matter) could provide us with any evidence to support the claims.

6th December

Daytime Running Lights

A press release issued by the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations states that the EC proposal to harmonise the use of daytime dipped-beam headlights in Europe has been abandoned. This is good news that means any decision on making DRL compulsory will be left to national governments. The press release adds that EC still supports DRL as a means of improving driver-safety and is in favour of a UN proposal that dedicated DRL should be compulsory on all new vehicles. FBHVC has not yet seen the text of the announcement, but it is reported that it was made by Mr. Zoltan Kazatsay, Deputy Director General of EC's Transport and Energy Directorate General, at a speech during the 4th ACEM Annual Conference held on Tuesday 20 November 2007 and the reason given for the change of policy was that there is insufficient information on the likely effect of this measure on other road users

16th November

FBHVC meeting with DVLA

FBHVC has liaison meetings with DVLA twice a year. Our second meeting for the year took place on 15 November, and was notable as it was Sandy Hamilton's last. Sandy has been responsible for looking after DVLA liaison since Tom Ryland retired some seven years ago. (Tom - as FBHVC Vice Chairman in the esrly 1990s - had been instrumental in persuading DVLA to establish the V765 scheme for the recovery of lost numbers). On this occasion, Sandy was accompamied by Nigel Harrison (who takes over responsibilty for DVLA liaison), David Hurley, Chairman of FBHVC's legislation committee and the FBHVC secretary. The meeting covered a brief agenda, but the "on-going" case load (where FBHVC has been asked to assist in resolving unusual or difficult problems) took some time to wade through. During the lunch break, Hugh Evans, DVLA Policy and External Communications Director, joined the meeting to make a presentation to Sandy on behalf of DVLA. The presentation comprised a cake iced with a Morris Minor and an engraved tankard. Hugh spoke of DVLA's appreciation for Sandy's dedication to his task and appreciation for FBHVC's straightforward approach. The photograph shows Sandy, right, receiving the gift from Hugh.

30th October

Inspired

It seems that the goal posts for the competition to decide the recipient for the Lottery £50 million were moved at the eleventh hour when the number of finalist projects had to be reduced to fit only four available programme slots. What we believed to have been the only truly worthwhile project of the six was dropped on the basis that it was not sufficiently ‘environmentally friendly’, which seems strange. Inspired (which will continue despite this setback) is planned to leave a minimalist footprint, using entirely renewable energy resources. More importantly, however, it was the only contender that aimed to encourage youngsters to take up science and technology - and what could be more environmentally friendly than inspiring a new generation of scientists to tackle our environmental problems? There is something wrong when transient tourist attractions (some of which have already been the recipients of substantial lottery funding) are deemed by those charged with distributing lottery money to be more important than using our past to foster our future: it would be bad enough for the public to vote that way, but for that decision to be made without giving the public a chance to have their say is just awful. For those interested in such matters, there is a thread running on the forum at www.thepeoples50million.org.uk and there is an on-line petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ScienceMuseum/ seeking the reinstatement of the project. While we don't think much of on-line petitions, this is at least a way to register a protest at the shabby way the Science Museum has been treated. FBHVC continues to support this project and will publish further news of progress towards reaching the projected £62 million goal in due course

14th October

FBHVC internal news

FBHVC's Annual General Meeting took place on Saturday, 13 October at The Hunt House, Paulerspury - the joint headquarters of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club and the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation. The usual formal business was preceded by an Extraordinary General Meeting that unanimously adopted new articles of association. These had been devised following consultation with member clubs to improve the way the Federation is run. The AGM itself saw no surprises but to accommodate the transfer from the previous articles of association to the new ones, all members of the old committee stood down with several standing in the elections for the new board positions. The composition of the new board is listed HERE At the close of the meeting, Vice President, Derek Grossmark made two presentations: the first, an ebony gavel mounted on an ebony and oak anvil with a sterling silver inscription, was to The Hunt House as a token of appreciation from FBHVC for hosting so many general meetings at no cost. The second was a gift from the outgoing committee and secretary to Andrew Burt to mark his period as Chairman. In presenting the set of engraved cut glass brandy decanter and four balloon glasses, Derek Grossmark paid tribute to Andrew's considerable contribution over the past five years. Chris Hunt Cooke, the new FBHVC chairman, is currently chairman of the Historic Rally Car Register and a director of the MG Car Club. He is a chartered accountant and was financial controller of a FTSE 100 listed company before taking early retirement. He is a magistrate and serves on the Magistrates’ Association’s National Council as well as being on their Road Traffic Committee. New FBHVC chairman Chris Hunt Cooke Jane Pedler, past Chairman of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club, receives the gavel on behalf of The Hunt House from FBHVC's Vice President, Derek Grossmark. Derek Grossmark, FBHVC Vice President, presents Andrew Burt with the gift of a brandy decanter and glasses as he stands down from the chairmanship of FBHVC

12th October

Meguiar's UK Car Enthusiast of the Year for 2007

We were delighted to learn that Geoff Smith, past chairman and now Vice President of FBHVC, has been named as the Meguiar's UK Car Enthusiast of the Year for 2007. The award will be presented at a dinner at Brooklands on 17 November. We can do no better than quote the press release: "Though unknown to many of the hundreds of thousands of historic vehicle owners, the tireless crusading of this modest man has done an enormous amount to promote and grow the movement to which they belong, and protect it from invasive legislation."

25th September

Paint

The long awaited consultation on the licensing scheme to allow the continued sale of limited quantities of vehicle re-finishing products that do not comply with the limits on volatile organic compound content set by EU was published two days after FBHVC's October Newsletter went to press. There is good news and bad news: the proposed definition of qualifying vehicles is extremely simple - those that are over 30 years old - but the proposed method of obtaining a licence to purchase non-compliant products looks out of proportion. We are studying the detail with a view to responding well before the December deadline.

24th September

Warning

One of our member clubs recently received an invoice for a substantial sum of money from an Austrian company running a website listing club details. Apparently, this company called Construct Data (also trading under the name Fairguide) offers clubs free listing for their events and activities on their website. The listing is offered free initially and renewal of the listing is offered annually. After a couple of years, the renewal offer is not on a free basis, but this is not made clear unless one reads every word of the small print. Those that renew assuming a continuation of the free offer find they have contracted to a three year listing at nearly £1,000 a year. It transpires that the compnay has had its knuckles rapped severely in the Austrian court and been ordered not to pursue those protesting such charges - the club that alerted us to the problem is thus simply not paying. If your organisation has been caught by such a scam, we'd like to know about it - the FBHVC network may be able to help.

19th September

FBHVC internal news - EGM, AGM and Conference

It's all happening on Saturday, 13 October at the Hunt House, Paulerspury - the magnificent headquarters of the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club and the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation. The first step, at 1100, is an Extraordinary General Meeting to allow the formal adoption of new articles of association. The EGM will immediately be followed by the normal Annual General Meeting, at which a new Board of Directors will be elected (see Chairman below). The conference session takes place after a lunch break, and this year's topic is encouraging the younger enthusiast - the main presentation, Start ’Em Young, will be given by Henry Lawson with assistance from Kevin Munn (Chairman of the Steam Apprentice Club of the National Traction Engine Trust), David Davies (Vintage Motor Cycle Club) and Rosy Pugh (TR Register). This will consider how to catch interest at a young age and will highlight three examples of efforts being made by different clubs and also consider aspects of Health and Safety and Child Protection requirements that need to be considered. The general discussion session that follows will give an opportunity to hear of other projects to encourage younger people into the movement and will also allow for a general exchange of ideas. Contributions to the debate from any organisation with ideas about involving younger people will be welcome. Attendance at the EGM/AGM is restricted to representatives of FBHVC member organisations and supporters. The conference is open to anyone and is free. Refreshments are available at £15.00 to include morning coffee/tea on arrival, buffet lunch and afternoon tea, but these need to be booked in advance by 9 October. We ask people planning to come to any part of the day to let us know (even if they do not require refreshments) so we can ensure sufficient seating. Please e-mail the Secretary to notify your plan to attend or to request further information. FBHVC Chairman Those who follow these things will know that the new articles of association due to be adopted at the EGM (see above) will mean a complete revision of the management structure of FBHVC and the election of a new Board of Directors. Andrew Burt, who has served five years, has suggested this is an appropriate time for him to stand down as chairman, whether the new articles are adopted or not. The outgoing committee spent considerable time thinking about his successor and are recommending that Chris Hunt Cooke should be elected at the AGM. Chris is currently chairman of the Historic Rally Car Register and a director of the MG Car Club. He is a chartered accountant and was financial controller of a FTSE 100 listed company before taking early retirement. He is a magistrate and serves on the Magistrates’ Association’s National Council as well as being on their Road Traffic Committee.

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12 July

Victory for common sense

The Off-Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill (see snippet of 16 March) has been withdrawn by its sponsor. This Private Members Bill, tabled in December last year, achieved notoriety at its second reading in Parliament in March, when - despite Dr. Stephen Ladyman, the then Minister of State at the Department for Transport, speaking strongly against it - it was sent to committee. Dr Ladyman tabled several amendments for consideration at the committee stage, scheduled for 22 June. That was adjourned until 11 July. Meanwhile, Dr Ladyman's successor at the Department for Transport, Jim Fitzpatrick, had tabled further amendments. We understand from DVLA that Graham Stringer MP, the Bill's sponsor, agreed at that adjourned meeting on 11 July to withdraw the Bill. In its place will be an interdepartmental review to see how best to tackle the nuisance caused by anti-social use of off-road machines within existing legislation.

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19 June

Nottinghamshire Police Injunction

There has been widespread publicity in the midlands for the unprecedented County Court Injunction obtained by Nottinghamshire Police that is designed to make it easier for police to act against nuisance "boy-racers" whose so-called cruising antics pose a serious danger to other road users as well as causing distress to residents of areas affected. The new injunction is effective throughout the County. A similar injunction was obtained by Nottinghamshire Police some time ago, but this related only to specific parts of the City of Nottingham where the "cruising" problem was particularly acute. The new injunction is, according to the Nottinghamshire Police website, to prevent five or more motor vehicles from congregating together, driving in convoy or racing each other on the highway who by their conduct make excessive noise, cause danger to road users or risk injury or risk damage to property. Unfortunately, some reporting has omitted the all important second part and simply said the injunction is to stop five or more vehicles getting together or driving in convoy. Consequently, FBHVC has had several calls asking if this means that club nights and road runs are now illegal. As far as we can see, the injunction should have no adverse effect on traditional club activity providing there is no excessive noise, danger to other road users or risk of injury or risk of damage to property. It does seem rather odd, though, that Nottinghamshire Police should give human attributes to motor vehicles - are they motor enthusiasts? We thought only dedicated enthusiasts would know that vehicles would be capable of congregating ...

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23 May

After a fatal accident, FBHVC says check your tyres!

And by that, it doesn't just mean checking the tyre pressures and making sure there is enough tread, but making sure the side walls are in good condition and the tyres not unduly old. Her Majesty's Coroner for Manchester has written to FBHVC with details of an accident that took place last year in which the driver of an H registered MG B lost his life when a rear tyre burst on the M56. Evidence shows that the driver was a skilled mechanic and a careful and experienced driver who was not travelling particularly fast at the time. The car was described by police as being maintained in an excellent condition. The surviving passenger said that just before the accident the driver had commented that a "tyre wobble" had developed and he was going to "drive through it". The wobble went briefly, but then the tyre burst, causing the car to spin, clip a kerb and flip over. Subsequent investigation showed that - although hardly used - the tyre was 25 years old. It was one of a set of as-new tyres and wheels purchased at an autojumble the previous year for use for show purposes - at the time of the incident the car was on its way to a show at Oulton Park. FBHVC included this note in its Newsletter in December 2003: The Daily Telegraph recently carried a piece in the 'Honest John' column suggesting that tyre age was to become a testable item in the MoT test. We immediately contacted the Vehicle Standards and Engineering Division at the Department for Transport and were advised that although most tyres already carry dates of manufacture in their side-walls, there are no plans to implement regulations to check such dates at the annual MoT test. DfT would, of course, change their mind if tyre failure due to age became a significant cause of accidents. The British Rubber Manufacturers Association suggests that if a tyre is six years old and remains unused it should not be put into service. It also suggests that in ideal conditions tyres may have a life expectancy of 10 years. Clearly, if DfT did decide to implement tyre date testing, there would be considerable implications for owners of older vehicles and we would certainly be making appropriate representations. The moral of the story is not to wait for the government to impose tyre testing on everyone, but to make sure your own tyres are in good condition, never use undated second hand tyres and never try to drive through a "tyre wobble".

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24 April

"Drive It Day"

Sunday 22 April was the second Drive It Day and seems to have been a resounding success. FBHVC has been receiving reports of considerable old-vehicle activity up and down the country. FBHVC had its own informal gathering at the Royal Oak at Bishopstone, near Swindon, that attracted over 120 vehicles - a slide show of the scene can be found at http://www.photoboxgallery.com/martinphelps The aim of Drive It Day, now an annual event taking place on the Sunday nearest 23 April, is simply to increase public awareness of the extent of the historic vehicle movement in this country. A selection of photographs from various Drive It Day events can be seen here. Next Year's Drive It Day will be Sunday, 20 April 2008

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4 April

The following report was seen on the BBC News Web Site. Unfortunately no registration number was given. Can any of our members throw more light on the story?

" Dumped Rolls faces being crushed A Rolls Royce car abandoned in Birmingham could be crushed in a scrap yard unless the owner comes forward. The 1984 Silver Spirit, valued at £12,000, was in a car park under a block of flats where it is thought to have been for three years. The council said if the owner was not traced it could be disposed of along with other dumped cars - but its value may mean it would be sold for charity. Officials said residents reported it to them and it is now in a wrecker's yard. Now they are appealing for the owner of the silver car to come forward before the deadline of 30 April. Checks have been carried out with the DVLA and the police without success. Jeremy Shields from the council, said: "We thought it would make sense, because it's a rather special car, to make an extra effort to ask the person to make themselves known." "

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4 April

Richard Sanders

FBHVC is very sorry to learn that Richard Sanders, who was appointed as FIVA General Secretary in 2005, has died at the early age of 57 from complications arising from an operation. The funeral will be at the village church in Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire, on Thursday, April 12 in the afternoon. We extend our sympathy to his widow Lynda, and children Eleanor and Francis. Peeter Henning, FIVA's Director in charge of Communication, will assume the duties of FIVA General Secretary on a temporary basis. He will work in close cooperation with Andrew Burt (FBHVC Chairman and Richard's predecessor as Secretary General).

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16 March

Off-Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill

This is a private members' bill that is currently wending its way through parliament. If enacted, it would require all motorcycles to be registered with DVLA, whether or not they are used on a road. This obviously has significant implications for owners of older motorcycles that (for whatever reason) are not currently registered. The Bill is worded in a simplistic way and offers no exemption, so FBHVC has highlighted its deficiencies to the All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicle Group, and is urging its members to speak against this Bill whenever the opportunity arises.

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14 March

The Worlds first Broadband Internet TV Channel for Classic Cars

See our links page (click HERE) to take you to this new venture that has been set up by four enthusiasts with over 100 years of classic car involvement between them and that is soon to be advertised in the FBHVC Newsletter. All you need is a broadband connection to see this magazine-style channel that gives the whole movement a chance to watch Classic Car programmes whenever they want and for free! Graham Searle, General Manager of the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club and a founder of Classic Car TV said “We believe it is vital to the future of our movement that we embrace all aspects of the new technology to spread the word about classic motoring and to be able to produce TV quality programmes for all enthusiasts worldwide to view is an important step forward”

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7 March

More success in Brussels

FBHVC Chairman Andrew Burt (who is also a director of FIVA) and Vice President Geoff Smith met Marco Gasparinetti on the Clean Air and Transport section of the European Commission's Environment Directorate towards the end of February. They were representing both FBHVC and FIVA and had gone to discuss the findings of the research into the extent, value and character of the historic vehicle movement that had been undertaken in 2006 - the research had been triggered by a remark made by Mr Gasparientti two years previously when he had commented that the Environment Directorate could not accept FIVA's unsupported claim that historic vehicles made an insignificant contribution to pollution. Mr Gasparinetti congratulated FIVA on the work it had undertaken, and said he was now happy to accept the findings, one of which was that historic vehicles account for less than 0.1% of total European traffic. On that basis, Mr Gasparinetti said it was unlikely that the Directorate would consider that banning historic vehicles would make any significant contribution to improving pollution levels.

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5 March

Arthur Jeddere-Fisher 1924-2007

FBHVC is sad to record the death at the end of February of Arthur Jeddere-Fisher, FBHVC's first honorary legal adviser and architect of the constitution on which FBHVC was established in 1988. Arthur had wide interests and led a fascinating life that, despite a sometimes subversive approach, was largely spent in government service, including many years as Chief Magistrate in Fiji. At retirement, he was chief solicitor to HM Customs and Excise. His motoring interests focussed mainly on the Edwardian and Vintage periods, and he was responsible in the early 1950s for the formation of the Light Car and Edwardian Section of the Vintage Sports Car Club, a group that celebrates the more quirky and eccentric offerings of the early motor industry. We offer condolences to his widow, Marcia, and their family. He died in the house he and Marcia had purchased when they married in 1947.

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9 February

Success with drivers' hours regulations

When responding to the recent consultation on proposals to implement new EU regulations on commercial drivers' hours, FBHVC thanked the Department for Transport for proposing to implement the exemption for historic vehicles permitted by the underlying regulation, but requested a simple definition instead of the restrictive version proposed that would have limited use of historic commercials not fitted with tachographs to a few specified circumstances. On 6 February, DfT published its summary of responses to the consultation which included this statement:- In view of the convincing case put forward by the historic vehicle fraternity, which is supported by the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA), the Government agrees to simplify its proposals by defining a non commercially operated historic vehicle as one which was manufactured more than 25 years before the occasion on which it is being driven. The Government is satisfied that this approach is in keeping with the spirit and intention of the EU Regulation, and that it will not jeopardise road safety.

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8 February

All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicle Group

An FBHVC team comprising Andrew Burt (Chairman), David Hurley (Chairman of Legislation Committee) and Geoff Smith (Vice President) attended a meeting of the APPHVG in Westminster yesterday. Topics on the agenda included the problems associated with a fixed date for VED exemption; drivers hours regulations; authorisation for old vehicle events in Northern Ireland; rumours (believed unfounded) of proposals to extend controls on occasional sales (e.g. the Kent Act) nationwide; metrication; and unfairness of commercial vehicle operator licensing revisions. The meetings make no decisions, but provide an opportunity for FBHVC to explain directly to parliamentarians the problems arising from legislation and regulation. As usual, the team received a very sympathetic hearing

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1st February

FBHVC's committee today published for consultation a draft of new articles of association that are intended to replace both the current articles of association and the constitution. There will be a special meeting on 13 October to approve the change, but meanwhile the committee would welcome constructive feedback.

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18th January

ROAD PRICING

FBHVC is staying open minded about road pricing until there is a clear proposal that can be analysed. The government has not yet decided how any such system will work. It is unlikely there will be any firm proposal until there have been successful trials of possible systems and it is not expected that such trials will start before 2010. This topic has become particularly hot as a result of the new on-line facility that enables members of the public to start petitions to the Prime Minister (http://petitions.pm.gov.uk). Dozens of petitions have been put up since the site went live in November last year, but the petition that has really caught public attention, with over 300,000 signatures at the time of writing, calls on the Prime Minister to scrap its vehicle tracking and road pricing policy. Among other motoring related petitions is one seeking a return to a rolling date for the VED exemption for historic vehicles - see below.

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17th January

VED HISTORIC VEHICLE EXEMPTION

It remains FBHVC policy to seek a return to a rolling date for Vehicle Excise Duty exemption. Efforts to have the rolling element re-instated on a 30 year basis were thwarted a couple of years ago by the Treasury, but FBHVC continues to raise the issue whenever the opportunity arises. The e-petition site (see Road Pricing above) includes a petition calling for a return to a rolling date for VED exemption.

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