Major classics event under threat

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Tue 31 Jan 2006 18:47
Major classics event under threat - Roger Jones
Folks

I have posted before about the wonderful classic car show held on Harpenden Common on a July evening every year. In 2004 there were no less than 2000 exhibitors (yup, 2000 classic cars) and well over 10,000 visitors -- entrance for visitors free of charge but raising money informally for local charities. This year was hit by rotten weather, but people still turned out, not least the drivers of 13 DeLoreans and thousands of visitors.

Some local sourpuss is putting this great event under threat. I don't know the details, but this month's Classic & Sports Car magazine has launched a campaign in support of the show. I have no formal connection with the event and it was just a couple of years ago that I first went along to it, only to have my breath taken away by the sheer scale of it and the convivial atmosphere.

Anyone wishing to join in should simply write to:

The Mayor
Harpenden Town Council
Leyton Road
Harpenden
AL5 2LX

and say something like what is on the protest coupon:

"I the undersigned support the C&SC Classics on the Common campaign and want to voice my concern to Harpenden Town Council that it do eveything possible to allow this event -- an annual highlight for thousands of classic motoring enthusiasts -- to go ahead in 2006 and every year thereafter."

Or log on to:

tinyurl.com/dpn4q

and sign the petition.

If you have classics enthusiasts among your friends, please alert them.

www.classicsonthecommon.com/

Thanks for reading this.
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Tue 31 Jan 2006 20:09
Major classics event under threat - Roberson
See my reply in another thread which might shine a bit more light on it: www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?v=e&t=38...6

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Tue 31 Jan 2006 20:14
Major classics event under threat - SlidingPillar
It's just possible this is behind the times. A local has objected to the use of the Hayfield for a non-classic car park, and the councillors have agreed with this.

I heard from Peter ****** (name blanked out - to stop him being deluged) on 5th January to this effect.

On 17th January, I heard from him again to say the event is on, and alternative non-classic parking has been found.

Given magazine deadlines, I would hope nothing has now changed. I am on his distribution list for such things, and so is a friend I talk to about this sort of thing.

The reason why non-classic parking is a concern is the sheer weight of traffic this event generates. If you've never been, you've not seen anything like it, from 20 year old near classics to veteran machinery, all mixed up, loads of picnics, and all having a good time. As a reult, spectators are a major concern.

I'll mail Peter, but I don't guarentee a quick answer - he's bound to be rather busy.
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Wed 1 Feb 2006 08:06
Major classics event under threat - Roger Jones
Thanks good people. I'll pass the news on to the MB Club forum, where I also posted the alert. I shall nevertheless continue to spread the word, as it will do no harm for the council to receive plenty of protest notes.

I did tell Peter what I had done, so will let you know if he adds anything in reply.
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Wed 1 Feb 2006 16:34
Major classics event under threat - SlidingPillar
Just received from Peter:

Thanks for that. The message still stands, it will go ahead this year. C & SC were aware of the latest position at the time they went to press but were keen to assist in any way they could and the petition will do no harm at the Council, many who replied to me were keen on the idea of a petition of some kind. I hope to get the website updated this month, announce the date and highlight the petition. Please feel free to update the thread on Honest John.


So the opinion is the petition will do no harm, and may even help.

(Goes away to sign it). SP
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