Drive it Day 2015
Drive it Day – An annual event held in April organised by the FBHVC
Drive it Day – Taking inspiration from the 1,000 Mile Trial
Drive it Day comes but once a year. The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs Drive it Day takes place every year to help raise awareness of the large and important extent of the classic vehicle movement in the UK. It is held on the Sunday nearest to 23rd April. It commemorates the Thousand Mile Trial, which took place on 23rd April 1900. One hundred and fifteen years ago about 64 cars left London for a round trip of the UK. The tour lasted 19 days. It is reported that approximately 46 of the cars made it back to London, on the 12th May 1900. The purpose of the tour was to spread the word about the automobile. This amazing invention was not something to be feared. It was a great creation to be embraced. It would change all our lives forever. The Thousand Mile Trial put motoring on the map.
One hundred and fifteen years later there are hundreds of classic cars still on the road. Thank goodness we have this day to celebrate, share and display these great feats of engineering with other car lovers. Many events take place up and down the country. We joined The New Forest Austin Healey Club for a 36 mile drive through the Hampshire countryside.
The NFAHC had arranged to meet for coffee at 10 O’Clock at The Potters Heron, Ampfield, near Winchester. Despite being an Austin Healey Specialist, we currently do not have an Austin Healey on the road. We joined 10 plus Austin Healeys, which had gathered in the pub car park, in our series 2 Jaguar E Type. After a lot of chatting, tea and coffee drinking we set off in our classics. The planned drive was carefully and clearly layed out. The precise instructions took us through a route passing well defined landmarks, historic buildings, well known gardens and the small towns of Stockbridge and Alresford. The drive probably lasted no more than 60 minutes but enroute the cars did receive a lot of attention, head turning, waving and approving thumbs up.
Our final destination was The National Trust property, Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire. The house was built in 1790 and remodelled extensively in 1867. Ralph Dutton 8th Lord Sherborne, inherited the house in 1935 and rebuilt it again in 1960 following a devastating fire. Ralph Dutton, with no direct heirs, gave the house to the National Trust, on his death in 1985. Unfortunately the house suffered further damage in 2014. Last year storms and ferocious winds destroyed the roof. The National Trust are working around the clock to get it shipshape again. Despite the scaffolding covering the entire building, the 20 plus Austin Healeys parked in front of the house still made a stunning display.
After a light lunch, we went inside the house. The beautifully propotioned rooms contain exquisite collections of ceramics and art. The views from the windows are of the tranquil countryside, the South Downs and the wonderfully manicured lawns and sculptured avenues of topiary. We then had a cheeky cream tea before wandering around the stunning walled gardens, bursting into colour as the spring bulbs and flowers, apple blossom and seed beds come alive.
We left for home at about 5 O’Clock. We had a fantastic day. There was an amazing display of Austin Healeys and not one but two cream coloured, Series 2, E Type Jaguars. Where the second Jaguar appeared from is a mystery to us. We spent the day with a lovely friendly, welcoming bunch of people. We are now looking forward to our next New Forest Austin Healey Club Event. Thankyou to Jim and Jan Finch for organising a splendid day out.
To remember our day we have a 2015 Drive it Day Facebook Album
If you would like to join The Austin Healey Club please take a look at The New Membership Area on the Club’s website.
We joined the New Forest Austin Healey Club in our E Type Jaguar to celebrate Drive it Day 2015