Starting HANDLE
Danny Hopkins on why clubs need us now more than ever
Classic shows are in trouble. Lack of volunteers is the biggest problem, but the age of most organizing committees is also an issue. The most recent casualty was in Scotland, and the official announcement says it all: ‘It is with deep regret that, after 27 years, the Selkirk Rally Committee announce that the 2019 Selkirk Rally will be the last Selkirk Rally. The majority of the committee wish to retire at the end of this year and despite attempts to recruit new committee members to continue the rally, this has proved to be an impossible task.’ It’s tragic for local enthusiasts, but it is not an isolated case.
We are hearing of other events that are under threat or not happening through lack of boots on the ground – young boots. FBHVC President Lord Steel highlighted the issue to the magazine recently: ‘It’s so important that we encourage young people to take on the organization of these amazing events – and give them the help and support to do so – so the events can continue. The Thirleston Castle Show in June is also under threat, I understand.’ Without a classic car show or two to go to in summer, many of us would leave our cars in the garage and members of the public wouldn’t have any meaningful contact with classic cars at all.
In the same way that we are encouraging young apprentices and classic ownership in general, somehow we need to pass on the responsibility for running these events to the next generation. We need to hand over the keys to the trophy cabinet, let them make decisions, allow them to change the way things are done and take ownership of the consequences. Oh, and if you know of an event that is still thriving, don’t forget to lend a hand yourself.
‘A lack of volunteers is the biggest problem’