Up here in MotorMartin Towers, it’s often difficult to cover all of the well deserving motoring events that happen up and down the length of the country and so it’s high time I highlighted a particular favourite. Many years ago, MotorMartin found himself leaving the respected shores of Essex to make his fame and fortune up in the wilds of West Yorkshire yet a soft spot for Essex has always remained. And so, one of the events that has recently become a favourite, is itself based in that welcoming County and took place on the 24th April this year.
Fortunately, MotorMartin has been able to follow the success of this most unique of runs due to the kind support of Lord Ellpus, a friend here at the Towers, who has provided MotorMartin with the following information regarding this year’s Charity Classic Vehicle Club, ‘Capability Brown’ Drive it Day Rally.
The Event, this year, started from the Museum of Power, Maldon and finished at Audley End House and was open to pre 1973 Classics as well as any thoroughbred Vehicle deemed worthy by this well respected club. Indeed this particular mix, in MotorMartin’s opinion, provides club members and the general public alike with an interesting and varied selection of cars to watch and enjoy. A quick view of the pictures accompanying this post or on the club’s website itself http://www.ccvcuk.co.uk/default.asp?page_id=1 is all you need to confirm this simple fact.
In what was a fantastic show of support for the club and its charities, 295 classic and vintage cars started to arrive from 8am to book in and collect their starters packs, which contained a rally plate as well as a tulip style rally and route book. The route, which would take them on trip of some 50 miles and involved driving through the stunning country lanes dotted throughout this part of Essex, finished at Audley End House & Gardens, nr Saffron Walden. The cars started to be flagged off from 9.15am, at a rate of 8 cars every minute, helped by the welcome arrival of blue sky and sunshine.
After a superb day’s driving, the cars finally started to arrived at the finish whereby they were efficiently marshalled to the parking area facing the lake and the house and creating quite a car park. Once at Audley End house, there was still plenty to enjoy for those lucky enough to be involved as at 3pm, the prize giving for cars was followed by best dressed couples and then the raffle was drawn. All in all, a fantastic day out and plenty of money raised.
Perhaps more importantly, this was a charity run to raise money for St Lukes Hospice in Basildon and the Essex Community Foundation. Rather incredibly, and down to the generosity of all involved, Lord Ellpus has informed MotorMartin that, at the current count, it looks as if the Club will have raise nearly £4,000 after expenses, to be shared between the charities. The CCVC has to date raised over £161,000 for local Essex charities and has been, and will continue to be, very successful at organising runs of this type.
So there you have it. A grand day out for owners and public alike that also raised a quite remarkable amount of money for two deserving Essex charities. Well done CCVC. For more details about the club and their activities, MotorMartin recommends that you head on over to www.ccvcuk.co.uk
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