CLASSIC car enthusiasts are set to participate in National ‘Drive It Day’ events across the South East to raise money for Childline.
The annual motoring rally, organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs (FBHVC) and led by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, will see motoring fans meeting up to share their love of cars and drive through the English countryside on Sunday April 23.
Meet-ups will take place across Kent and Hampshire, where participants can purchase FBHVC’s special ChildLine Rally Plates, with proceeds going to the NSPCC service. Last year’s Drive It Day events raised £47,000.
In Kent, motoring enthusiasts will gather at Chiddingstone Castle near Edenbridge to see and appreciate the classic cars, and share motoring stories before setting off on a drive through the picturesque Kent villages and towns.
All pre-1980s marques are welcome and those attending can enjoy a cream tea while they wander the stunning grounds, lakeside, and woodlands.
The Austin Healey Club will also be hosting an untimed, non-competitive rally across various start points in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex from 11.30am and finishing at Bough Beech, Kent.
Further afield, in Hampshire, the Classic Vehicle Group is hosting a drive beginning at The Angel at Privett on the A32.
Attendees can have a tasty breakfast, after which they will drive through the Meon Valley, Bishop’s Waltham, Southampton Water, Itchen Bridge and on to the destination of Solent Sky.
The Drive It Day will be led by the Pink Floyd legend and motor enthusiast, Nick Mason, who is this year’s NSPCC Ambassador.
Nick said: “I am incredibly excited to be involved in this year’s Drive It Day. It’s a great event – especially for those, like me, who love motorsports and vintage cars.
“Drive It Day always raises an amazing amount of money for the charity and it is my hope that we can get even more this year.”
Michele Baxter, NSPCC’s Drive It Day Manager for the South East said: “Last year, Drive It Day raised £47,000 for Childline, our free counselling service for children and young people, through club support and Rally Plate sales.
“We are delighted that the FBHVC are supporting us again this year, and hope that the partnership continues to grow.
“It is sure to be a fantastic day, so I would encourage everyone to get involved.”
The fundraising event was created by the federation in 2005 for motoring fans and the public to celebrate the ‘One Thousand Mile Trial’, which began in 1900 to prove the viability of the vehicles of the time.
To take part and find out how to buy a Charity Rally Plate and discover more about your nearest Drive It Day event, visit: driveitday.co.uk
