Earl Mountbatten Hospice Classic Car Run

A fondness for motoring masterpieces and a determination to support one of the Island’s favourite local charities were fused together to form the perfect day out on Sunday 28 September.

A convoy of 75 beautifully preserved classic cars of all shapes and sizes made their way around the Island on a bright autumn day brimming with brilliant sunshine. The aim of the vintage assembly was to raise as much money as possible for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice by driving out and seizing the attention of would-be contributors.

The perfect blend of dedication and desire

The Isle of Wight has a great affection for classic cars. Not only do they feature throughout the year at events such as the Island Steam Show, Old Gaffers and the Garlic Festival, our passion for them is such that we even have select events dedicated especially to the display of vintage vehicles. The Mega Wheels Car Show in April and the International Charity Classic Car Show in September both provide an unbeatable opportunity for devoted car owners to showcase their beloved motors and for nostalgic spectators to admire them.

With so many miles of beautiful scenery and a myriad of open coastal roads and narrow country lanes, the Isle of Wight provides an idyllic setting for classic car drivers - many of whom either live here or have a close affiliation with the Island via organisations like the Classic Ford Club, the Vectis Historic Vehicles Club and the IOW Jaguar Enthusiasts Club.

Whilst Islanders enjoy reliving days gone by, our unique community bond also ensures a firm dedication to preserving the here and now – and this includes cherishing the lives of those Islanders less fortunate than ourselves. As the only hospice to care for 75% of all cancer patients and several other terminally ill patients on the Island, the Earl Mountbatten hospice is one of our most respected and valued local charities and with so many Islanders or their family finding themselves in need of its services at some stage in their lives, the hospice remains close to many peoples’ hearts.

A charitable crusade of classic cars

With the warm sunshine gradually breaking through the mist over the water at Cowes Harbour, the elegant fleet of cars gathered along the Parade shortly after 9am for a 10 o’clock start. Participants checked itineraries and registered their vehicles with hospice volunteers; their £10 entry fees going directly to the cause. Once the trademark sunflowers had been tied to headlights and mirrors the stunning procession of automobiles departed the esplanade and took a leisurely drive through Gurnard then inland towards Carisbrooke.

Having passed through the villages of Bowcombe, Shorwell and Kingston, the cortege made its way through Chale Green, Yafford and Brighstone. Having motored on through Freshwater the cluster of cars assembled at the Needles Park at Alum Bay for lunch. For those who hadn’t packed a picnic hamper there was an optional buffet lunch available.

Once the drivers were refreshed and the cars had been given a chance to enjoy a well deserved rest, the classic cars returned to the road, passing through Wellow, Newbridge, Godshill and Shanklin before reconvening at Brown’s Golf Course which was the finish point of the day.

A captivated group of spectators waited to welcome the participants and their faithful four wheelers - a varied mix of makes and models including Ford Zodiac’s, Zeffa’s, Escort’s, Anglia’s, Capri’s, Cortina’s, Morris Oxford’s and Minor’s, Mini Moke’s, the Triumph 2000 and TR6 and the Lotus 7 and Cortina. Other visionary roadsters which were popular with onlookers along Sandown seafront following the crusade’s conclusion were an e-Type Jaguar, Chevrolet, Sunbeam, Ferrari, the Lancia Stratus (1980’s rally car) and the Island’s very own replica Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car built by Nick and Carolyn Pointing from Sandown.

A rally of support

The concept of the Classic Car run was the brainchild of Isle of Wight Radio DJ Alex Dyke, who came up with the idea off the back of timelessly successful hospice events such as Walk the Wight and Sail the Wight. Originally dubbed ‘Drive the Wight’ this relaxed and highly gratifying occasion has evolved in the two years since its embarkation to become the ‘Earl Mountbatten Hospice Classic Car Run’ and with 35 vehicles registering in advance and a further 40 turning up to take part on the day, the event has grown this year to attract 25 more entrants from the 50 cars that took part in the maiden excursion back in 2007.

Working in collaboration with Isle of Wight Radio who could be heard broadcasting live from the various checkpoints throughout the day, the event received the full backing and support of Isle of Wight Council who provided free parking for the weary vehicles upon arrival at Brown’s. Donations in the form of takings were also offered to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice by Brown’s restaurant and tea shop, whilst Red Funnel ferries arranged special day return rates for participating cars travelling over from the mainland.

The hospice’s unmistakable yellow collection buckets were in plentiful supply at all of the three main stop points and it recently been revealed that well-wishers gave generously – raising over £1000 for the privilege of witnessing the only non-static display of vintage vehicles to feature in the whole of the Island’s year-long events calendar. Congratulations to everyone who took part!

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