Vintage car enthusiasts gear up for ‘Drive it Day’ at Glenarm Castle in aid of Childline
Members of the Ulster Vauxhall Opel Classic Community (UVOCC) are busy servicing and polishing their beloved vintage vehicles so they will look their best for ‘Drive it Day’ on Sunday, April 26, in the beautiful grounds of Glenarm Castle.
Drive it Day was created by the Federation of British Historical Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) as an opportunity for historic vehicle enthusiasts, and the public, to celebrate the One Thousand Mile Trial which was first organised in 1900 to prove the viability of the new invention that was the motor vehicle.
It’s also a chance to raise awareness and support amongst the public for the historic vehicle movement and keep transport heritage on the roads.
In recent years, the FBHVC has partnered with the NSPCC to raise funds for Childline, the charity’s free counselling and support service for children and young people, by selling ‘rally plaques’ that people can buy to put on their car when taking part in Drive it Day events.
UVOCC is a Facebook group created by Billy Maxwell, from Ballymoney, to promote the often-ignored classic Vauxhall and Opel cars. The Group shares information, attends local classic car shows and charity events as well as holding several outings around the area, all while promoting their cars, some of which are very rare.
Last year’s event at Glenarm raised more than £2,800 for Childline, which has two bases in Northern Ireland – Belfast and Foyle – and organiser Ken Smyth of UVOCC hopes that this year’s event will beat that amount.
He says: “We have been delighted with the success of our Drive it Day event in previous years, and the incredible amount of money raised by such generous donations.
“It’s always a lovely occasion with some truly stunning cars on display in a beautiful setting and we are so pleased that the NI Italian Car Club will be taking part once again, but we also invite owners of any make of classic car to get involved and join us.
“You can participate by buying an official Rally Plate for £12.50 to display on your vehicle. Plates are available from the Drive it Day Shop (https://www.driveitday.co.uk/shop) and from the FBHVC website.
“We ask all car owners taking part to specify UVOCC, as the club involved, when purchasing their plaque.
Adds Ken: “Our plan is to set off from two venues in Northern Ireland: Lansdowne Crescent in Portrush and the Ballymac Hotel, near Lisburn. We will then drive along the scenic Antrim Coast Road to Glenarm and meet at the castle around midday. but if that does not suit, participants can make their own way to join us.
“It’s not just a day for car enthusiasts as Glenarm Castle is perfect for a lovely family day out - perhaps to go for a walk, enjoy a meal, or just have an ice cream and enjoy the atmosphere. We are delighted to be able to hold this event, once again, in such a perfect venue.”
Susan Smith, NSPCC Supporter Relationship Fundraiser, said: “We are indebted to the members of the UVOCC for such amazing support, hard work and generosity.
“The Drive it Day event is a wonderful day out for vintage car enthusiasts and people of all ages. We are also very grateful to Glenarm Castle for once again permitting the event to be held in their stunning grounds.
“We’re encouraging everyone to come along and enjoy the fun and the spectacle. The amazing amount of money raised last year helped our Childline service support children when they have nowhere else to turn.
“It would be wonderful to do the same again, this year.”
Members of the public will have an opportunity to donate to Childline on the day via QR codes displayed on the vehicles or directly to NSPCC collectors who will be at the event.