National Drive It Day was created by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs in 2005.  It is the occasion when historic vehicle enthusiasts and the public at large have the opportunity to celebrate the One Thousand Mile Trial organised in 1900 to prove the viability of the new invention, the motor vehicle. It’s also a chance to raise awareness and support amongst the public for the historic vehicle movement and keeping transport heritage on UK roads. 

This year’s Drive It Day celebration is scheduled for Sunday, 25th April and many enthusiasts have been asking for the latest information on what can and cannot proceed to mark this National Awareness Day. The FBHVC is pleased to announce that the latest news, is good news. 

David Whale, Chairman of the FBHVC said, “National Drive it Day has its place as a symbolic season opener, a chance to get historic vehicles of all shapes, sizes and types out in use, seen by the public and enjoyed by their custodians. It’s a statement of national importance because, not only does it ensure that our transport heritage continues as a moving, working, living experience, but also raises awareness of the size, importance and contribution that the historic vehicle movement makes to the world.”

This year, that contribution is even larger because the FBHVC have teamed up with the NSPCC’s Childline®  to raise money as an integrated part of Drive it Day in order to use our movement to contribute to a section of society that has needed huge help and support during the pandemic – vulnerable children. Lockdown has magnified all sorts of societal problems and the long days and weeks trapped in broken homes or abusive environments have put vulnerable children even more at risk. 

Furthermore, the restrictions on social contact and the movement of people have seriously curtailed fundraising efforts for charities across the board and charities have found themselves underfunded, just at the moment when they need the resource the most.  All profits from our official Drive it Day rally plate go towards the NSPCC’s Childline®, so get yours now via www.driveitday.co.uk. 

Sir Peter Wanless, Chief Executive of the NSPCC said “We are delighted with the support of classic and historic vehicle enthusiasts in contributing to the work of Childline® in our first year of partnership.  This support is especially important at the moment, Childline® is a crucial service on which young people can rely - day or night - whatever problems or dangers they are facing.”

As we know, each devolved nation has provided bespoke guidance throughout the pandemic and this is the current position:

ENGLAND

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through the Tourism Alliance has confirmed that at Step 2 of the road map for exit from lockdown applicable from 12th April, an event such as the Federation’s Drive It Day may go ahead providing that:

• The event takes place outdoors
• Attendees will arrive and leave the event in a staggered manner throughout the day
• It does not involve attendees converging on and congregating at a site for a specific discrete activity, such as a theatre or music performance
• Rule of 6 or two households mixing outdoors applies

NORTHERN IRELAND

We are in contact with the Honorary Secretary of the Association of Old Vehicle Clubs and he tells us no decision has been made by the NI Assembly regarding opening things up but the Association will continue to monitor the situation and post new information as soon as it is announced on https://www.aovc.co.uk/

SCOTLAND

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has accelerated lockdown easing in Scotland, with some travel restrictions lifted and more people able to meet outside from Friday, 16th April:

• People will be able to leave their local authority area for the purposes of socialising, recreation or exercise, though travel between the mainland and some islands will not be permitted.  Overnight stays are not permitted.
• Rules on gatherings will also be relaxed, with six adults from up to six households able to meet outside.

WALES

Travel restrictions within the UK will be lifted from 12th April.

JERSEY

The Government of Jersey issued new guidance on Monday 12th April:

• physical distancing requirements replaced with guidance
• up to 20 people can attend informal gatherings in homes and gardens or in public places
• complying with COVID-19 guidelines, two cavalcades on Sunday 25th April will be organised by the Jersey Old Motor Club and the Jersey sections of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club and the E-type Club, who this year are celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Jaguar E-type.

We hope this information is helpful but in all cases government guidance applicable on Sunday 25th April must be followed.”

If you have missed out on purchasing a Drive It Day rally plate, please know you can still contribute to such a worthwhile cause. Please take a moment to view these two videos recorded by Childline® counsellors.

In the words of Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC “Childline® is a crucial service on which young people can rely - day or night - whatever problems or dangers they are facing.”

Please support Childline® now via our JustGiving.com link here: Michele Baxter is fundraising for ChildLine (justgiving.com)