The fourth ‘coffee & cakes’ Drive It Day event held at Castle View Retirement Living attracted over 50 classic vehicles and raised £730 for NSPCC Childline, well up on last year’s event, and declared a big success by organisers.
Tying in with the national Drive It Day, an eclectic collection of classic vehicles arrived during the morning, including a 1939 Triumph Dolomite Roadster and Railton Straight 8 also from the 1930s, a 1954 Morris Minor, 1963 Humber Sceptre Mk1, a Maserati Merak, Mercedes Unimog, four Triumph Stags and five Second World War Jeeps.
Participants had travelled from across the country to join in – from West London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire, and even a Lamborghini Murciélago from Yorkshire. A wide choice of cakes were baked and served by the homeowners and sold along with hot dogs, tea and coffee.
Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor attended the event to meet the Castle View homeowners, sample their baking and admire the cars. Meanwhile, several of the more adventurous homeowners went out for a spin in the Lamborghini in exchange for a donation to the NSPCC.
“It was such a great atmosphere,” commented one of the drivers who was back for the fourth year running: “A wonderfully broad selection of cars – different makes, models and eras: a great couple of hours.”
Commented Karl Hallows, CEO of Castle View. “We were treated with glorious Spring sunshine which helped to attract a record number of 51 interesting cars. The enthusiasm of the owners and a large number of members of the public helped to raise much needed funds for the NSPCC, our homeowners doing us proud with all the cakes they baked and sold. The event has grown year on year and I much look forward to welcoming everyone back again in 2026.”
The Significance of Drive It Day
National Drive It Day, initiated by the FBHVC in 2005, holds a special place in the hearts of classic vehicle enthusiasts. It commemorates the historic One Thousand Mile Trial of 1900, which was organised to demonstrate the viability of the then-new invention – the motor vehicle.This annual event serves multiple purposes:
- It provides an opportunity for historic vehicle enthusiasts to celebrate their passion.
- It raises public awareness about the historic vehicle movement.
- It promotes the importance of preserving transport heritage on UK roads.
- It helps raise funds for the NSPCC’s Childline, combining enthusiasm for classic vehicles with a noble cause.
