TV presenter calls on drivers to ride out around the Midlands on Drive It Day and support the NSPCC

Published: 20/04/2022

Historic vehicle enthusiasts from across the Midlands can join the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) in a day of events across the Midlands this Drive It Day to help support children in the UK.

Drive It Day, backed by local celebrity auctioneer and fellow classic cars enthusiast Charles Hanson, is on 24 April in aid of the NSPCC service Childline, with events organised across the country by clubs and members of the Federation.

National Drive It Day was created by the FBHVC in 2005, as an occasion for historic vehicle enthusiasts and the public to celebrate the One Thousand Mile Trial – an event organised in 1900 to prove the viability of the newly invented motor vehicle. 
It also raises awareness and support for the historic vehicle movement and keeping transport heritage on UK roads, and all profits from the official Drive it Day rally plate go towards the NSPCC’s Childline.

NSPCC supporter Charles Hanson, is one of the UK’s leading auctioneers and is known for his enthusiastic appearances on shows such as BBC’s Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip and Flog It! 

Charles said: “We can all make a huge difference to Childline by supporting Drive it Day. Let’s all come together so that every child’s call to Childline can be answered.

“Visit www.driveitday.co.uk to post your event and buy your Rally Plates in aid of Childline”.

In the Midlands, events have been organised by the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, the Drive it Day Road Run from The Ivy Farm Shop in Swineshead to Bomber Memorial Centre Visit in Lincoln, the Transport Museum in Birmingham and The Great British Car Journey Ltd in Derbyshire.

Barbara Elsey, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for the Midlands, said: “Last year people came together and helped raise over £40,000 for the NSPCC’s Childline service by taking part in the annual Drive It Day and purchasing a rally plate to display."
“This April, you can buy a Drive It Day Rally Plate for just £10 and ride out with friends, or join an organised event, and once again help support vulnerable children and young people across the UK."
“There are so many wonderful events happening in beautiful locations in the Midland, so please come along and enjoy yourselves!” 

Now, for the first time, motorcyclists can also participate in Ride It Day on April 24. The event has been endorsed by former motorcycle racer Carl Fogarty, who has encouraged the motorcycling community to buy the rally plates. 

David Whale Chairman of the FBHVC said he was delighted that the classic and historic car and bike community had come together to support Childline and he was looking forward to continuing to work closely with the NSPCC in years to come.

Purchase rally plates for motorbikes and cars in aid of Childline, and find out more about what is happening in your area at www.driveitday.co.uk