Classics on the Common

28th July 2010

"Harpenden's Award Winning Classic Car Meeting"

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.

Last year’s Classics on the Common, the 16^th, was held in late July in less than clement weather. But a few showers were never going to stop most of the pre-registered owners of more than 1300 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. In 2008’s perfect weather, 10,000 spectators - residents and visitors - spent up to five hours admiring the mouth-watering collection. Even in last year’s damp conditions the attendance was 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. Last year’s oldest was probably a 1913 model T Ford and every decade following is always well represented: from Rolls Royces and Maseratis to Austin A40s and Morris Minors. Last year we had even 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. From modest beginnings – the first year attracted 125 cars – the event grew steadily in popularity with owners and spectators.

From the start Peter had the active support in staging the event from members of the Carpenters Arms Classic Car Club. Then five years ago, needing more help in handling the steadily growing numbers of vehicles and spectators, he approached Harpenden Village Rotary Club, several of whose members are classic car owners and enthusiasts.

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. Consequently, when Peter Madden decided to make the 2008 Classics event his last, he asked the Rotary Club to take over responsibility for organising and running it from last year.

With the backing of a small committee, contact was established and maintained with the vehicle owners and with the various bodies with an interest in the event, notably Harpenden Town Council, the Highways Agency and the police, all of whom could not have been more cooperative and helpful. Their support played a major part in the smooth running of the event.

On the day, the Rotarians were at full stretch so we were 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 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.

Last year just short of £10,000 was raised despite the weather. Rotary charities were the beneficiaries with the main recipients being the Grove House Hospice and the Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre

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.

2010 will be the 17^th year for this amazing event and we do hope that you will be able to attend.