More than £1,000 has been raised for The Community Foundation for Staffordshire by supporters of a classic car tour waved off by TV antiques expert Charles Hanson.
Some 70 vehicles joined the inaugural Cannock Chase Classic Car Tour, travelling more than 80 miles across Staffordshire through Cannock Chase and the Black Country from Lichfield before finishing via Stafford in Rugeley on June 13, 2021.
Organisers have handed over a cheque for £1,040 to the Community Foundation to help support voluntary groups across the county.
Richard Hinton of First Class Technologies hands a £1,040 cheque to Faye Williams of The Community Foundation.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers and a regular on TV antique shows such as Bargain Hunt, waved off every single vehicle from Lichfield’s Bowling Green Pub and then welcomed drivers back to his Staffordshire auction house, Bishton Hall near Rugeley, for afternoon tea.
The Community Foundation for Staffordshire is a team of professional community fund and grant managers. Non-profit making, they create and administer benevolent funds and grant schemes for philanthropists, business, central Government and local authorities. Every year they give more than £1m to voluntary organisations and charities. Based in Stafford they are ideally placed to manage funds and grants across the county.
Before the pandemic scores of organisations heled events to raise money for the Community Foundation to distribute to voluntary groups. This important source of income was lost due to Covid. As restrictions ease, individuals and companies are being encouraged to raise money through safe events within coronavirus guidelines.
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Bishton Hall in Staffordshire
Richard Hinton of First Class Technologies, the main sponsor, said: “Last year, in the depths of the pandemic I had the idea of a car rally across Staffordshire. The event was literally stop-start for many months due to Covid. But what a way to celebrate the easing of restrictions.
“I’m delighted to hand over the money on behalf of drivers, passengers, time-keepers and spectators with special thanks to Wolverhampton & South Staffordshire Car Club which helped in the organisation of the inaugural Cannock Chase Classic Car Tour. Yes, the first of many.”
From left, Richard Hinton, Charles Hanson, We Love Lichfield trustee Simon Price, former World Rally Championship co-driver Mike Broad and Faye Williams from the Community Foundation.
Faye Williams of The Community Foundation for Staffordshire said: “It was an amazing spectacle to see so many beautiful cars leave Lichfield in bright sunshine, then passing the finish line in the amazing surroundings of Bishton Hall. A memorable day, great fun and a huge thank you to all involved who have raised vital funds that will help voluntary groups across the county. Particular thanks go to Richard Hinton of First Class Technologies for coming up with the idea, sponsoring and organising the event. Also, to Charles Hanson for his kind hospitality at Bishton Hall.”
Charles Hanson said: “I was delighted to support this wonderful event and very much hope Bishton Hall, our country house saleroom and a rich historical gem, will play its part in many community and charity initiatives in the years to come.”
If anyone wishes to organise a fundraising event or donate to The Community Foundation for Staffordshire, call 01785 339540 or email [email protected]
