Matt Tomkins’s faith is restored
‘The shop buzzed with enthusiasm’
Last issue in this slot I spoke of my disappointment that a minority of enthusiasts still seem uncommitted to encouraging young blood into the classic world. Well, I’m pleased to report that my faith was restored following a trip to a specialist for work on my Austin Seven.
I’ll report on the details of the work undertaken in my Staff Car Saga next month, but it was with a renewed since of optimism that I spent the day with Oxfordshire Sevens, just down the road from the vibrant hub that is Bicester Heritage. The workshop, packed full of Sevens of all shapes and sizes, was a hive of activity, with future and youth very much at the forefront of the operation.
Leading the work on my car was 19-yearold James Mabley, who just that week had completed his apprenticeship through the very excellent Heritage Skills Academy and who plans to stay with the company with whom he was on placement for the long term.
Fresh faced and taking in every detail of the works were first year HSA apprentice Josh Garnon and Saturday helper and Startermotor Ambassador Toby Janes, whose week might still be spent at school, but every other available hour is spent indulging in his passion for vintage cars.
Startermotor, with whom James is also heavily involved, is a charity based at
Bicester Heritage that aims to put the next generation in the drivers’ seat. The charity has partnerships with schools, colleges, universities and apprenticeship schemes and provides vehicles and other resources for their students to not only learn from, but also to use in competitions, events and shows. I left refreshed and enthused. There is a future, and that future is now.