History

Few would disagree with the recently expressed view of a Harpenden Town Councillor that Harpenden Common is ‘the jewel in the town’s crown.’ The vast tract of common grassland, sweeping you into the town centre as you approach from the south, is home to a golf club, a cricket club and the occasional fair and circus, yet still provides acres of recreational space for residents and visitors.

But, for one day a year, this bucolic scene is interrupted for a few hours for the biggest classic car meeting of its kind in Britain.

Over the years we've had bright sun, clouds and occasional rain but whatever the weather nothing stops most of the pre-registered owners of more than 1200 classic vehicles from driving to Harpenden from all over the UK and beyond to display their lovingly-maintained vehicles.

And there is never any shortage of admirers. Up to 10,000 spectators - residents and visitors - spend hours admiring the mouth-watering collection. Even in damp conditions the attendance is unexpectedly, and gratifyingly, high.

A ‘classic’ vehicle should be at least 20 years old but we usually have one or two built around a century ago, such as a 1900 Daimler Type A, and a 1913 model T Ford. Every decade following is always well represented, too, from Rolls Royces and Maseratis to Austin A40s and Morris Minors. We have even had a Sinclair C5.

Classics on the Common was the brain-child of Harpenden resident and Metropolitan Police officer Peter Madden. The idea was born shortly after he bought a 1968 Rover P5B coupe and the first year attracted 125 cars. Since that time the event has grown steadily in popularity with owners and spectators.

When Peter Madden decided to make the 2008 Classics his last, he asked the Harpenden Village Rotary Club to take over responsibility for organising and running the event. As members of a service organisation Rotarians are no strangers to running or helping with events and, with more than 40 members, we had a good deal of man- and woman-power to offer.

On the day, the Rotarians are at full stretch so we are very grateful to have our numbers boosted by members of our associated club, Harpenden Village Inner Wheel, Harpenden Explorer Scouts and members of the Carpenters Arms Classics Car Club.

Classics on the Common is a non-profit event but it does give the organisers an opportunity to raise funds for local, national and international charities. The classic car owners make a modest donation to register and, although there is no entry charge to the public, Harpenden’s townsfolk have always responded generously when approached with collecting buckets. Local businesses, pubs and restaurants lend support, too, by donating prizes for our tombola or taking banner advertising.

In 2011 we raised more than £17,000. Various charities supported by Rotary benefited but the main recipients were St Francis Hospice, the National Deaf Children's Society and WaterAid.

The success of ‘Classics’ is not difficult to understand. For the proud owners it provides a display window for their treasured vehicles and, for the public, vicarious delight and admiration.

2012 will be the 19th year for this amazing event and we do hope that you will be able to attend.