Past Events Countrywide Drive for Charity 2021

PAST EVENTS

In case you’ve wondered what the Stag Owners Club has been getting up to this section gives you an insight to the events that we’ve participated in or held on a National level on a year by year basis – starting with the resumption of shows during 2021.

The 2021 SOC Countrywide Drive for Charity

This introduction is an abridged version of Nick Rowlands report which will be published in a future edition of our monthly magazine:

This event was adopted as the closing item of our 2020 season, in celebration of 50 years since the original Stag launch and planned to take place in October 2020.  The intention was to ask members to take their cars out for a drive in the countryside on a specific day and raise money for donation to charity on behalf of the SOC membership.

As so many small charities were suffering from a lack of fundraising activities the original idea was modified by asking each area to nominate their own preferred local worthy cause to receive their donation.

A total of 21 SOC Areas indicated interest in taking part and put their ideas and plans in to place and I am pleased to provide my summary of what has been completed and intend to provide further details as and when available.

The RNLI was the beneficiary of funds when Northumbria members combined with those from Cleveland & Co Durham for a run out to Tynemouth lifeboat station where they displayed their colourful cars and helped crews rattle some collection buckets and also presented a cheque for £265.  A few weeks later, they and several other SOC areas joined with the TR Register for another fundraising event at Ford Castle, raising over £200 to help “Cash for Kids”.

In Bedfordshire, members enjoyed a country drive, ending in a pub lunch, while raising a donation of £100, presented on their behalf to Keech Hospice in Luton. Eastern region was also represented by Suffolk & N Essex area that enjoyed a sunny day out ending with a stop at Layer Marney Tower nr. Colchester.  Their donation of over £600 raised during the year, has been presented to their local Parkinson’s support group.

Warwickshire & Leicestershire team’s effort resulted in donations of £125 being sent to the Air Ambulance and Cancer research after their day out.

Noel Sargent reports that South Birmingham area donated their cash to The Alzheimer’s Society after a run through the Cotswolds which include a lunch stop at the Old prison Café in Northleach. This resulted in members having to pay a fine before being allowed to leave!

Over in South Wales, despite dreadful weather at the start of the day, they headed into the Brecon Beacons and were rewarded with a good day out and some spectacular scenery. Their donations totalled £465 for Unud Gobaith which will benefit a local hospital mother & baby unit.

Somerset & Dorset also helped the Air Ambulance fund by supporting the Dorset & Somerset chopper.

Wardour Castle was visited by Wiltshire Stags, who rounded off their run with lunch at Westbury Golf & Social club and made a donation to Prostate cancer.

Manchester & North Cheshire combined with South Cheshire & North Staffordshire wiggled their way through the Peak District for some open roads and impressive scenery. Unfortunately the weather closed in on us and almost spoilt the planned photo opportunity at the (second) highest pub in England.  A nice late lunch helped finish off the day out and over £200 was raised for our regional Air Ambulance too.

Chris Liles advised that Norfolk area combined their Halloween Run with fundraising of £115 for the East Anglia Air Ambulance,

The areas that had to postpone until spring 2022 have now reported back with their information, so I can round up everything with the latest new.

Cornwall managed to complete their even with a drive down as much of the ‘old’ A30 as can be accessed between the Tamar and Redruth, with £155 donated to McMillan Cancer research while Bristol area drive on 13^th March, started at The Wishing Well at Codrington and ended with lunch at The Crown Inn, Frampton Mansell.  Their funds of £130 went to a local charity “Paul’s Place” which helps physically disabled adults.

Finally, the efforts of Worcestershire area supported the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal and member’s donations added over £137 to this topical initiative. David and Jan Clark organized an 84 mile tour taking their 9 Stags through many parts of Worcestershire and Warwickshire onward to Bidford on Avon before the obligatory lunch stop on Drive it Day.

The final total raised is now in excess of £2500 and sixteen areas have reported back to me on their efforts. Thanks again to all those who took the trouble to join in with the initiative and provide support to many different worthy causes, whilst indulging themselves in the pleasure of rumbling their lovely motors around the country.

Nick Rowland 28819
Coordinator, Manchester & North Cheshire Area