Archive Centre puts down its roots
The Rootes Archive Centre Trust (RACT) has moved into its new purpose-built premises just two years after the fund was set up to secure a permanent home.
However, with an enormous amount of heritage material to be transferred and organised, the official grand opening will be taking place on 22 April 2018 – to coincide with Drive-it-Day.
The new premises at Apollo Park in Wroxton, near Banbury, are near the building that the Trust had been renting since 2005 to house its historical material. The RACT set out to raise £185,000 to acquire a permanent HQ. So far, £108,000 has been gathered via Association of Rootes Car Clubs members, individuals, companies, collections, gift aid and loans. The Sunbeam Talbot Alpine Register recently presented a cheque for £7500.
RACT PR officer, Andy Bye, says: ‘It’s such a relief that we’ve got the archive safe for future generations.’
Work on building the freehold building began in March, after £60k had been reached. Volunteers moved the stock to the new HQ at the end of October. The Driveit-Day opening will be attended by Rootes family members, ex-employees, supporters and over a hundred Rootes cars.
The RACT is still looking for donations to reach its final total, and would also welcome assistance with the final fit-out of the building. Richard Gunn
rootesarchivecentre.org.uk, thearcc.co.uk