Thanet classics raise charity cash

| 21 Dec 2011

More than 50 classic car owners took part in the Thanet Classics Christmas Cruise in aid of the South Thames Cleft Service on 11 December.

The charity event is organised by 19-year-old classic fanatic Lee Collier from Margate and the plan is simple: a group of classic cars drives the streets of Thanet stopping in certain places to collect money from members of the public.

Participants came from all over the south east of England, the furthest travelled from Colchester, while the Essex Classics group turned out en masse on a Routemaster.

Other stars included Tom Pettman in his Treescort, an Escort covered completely in the remains of a Christmas tree, a sleigh dragged behind a Rover P5B Coupé and the Wissenden family, all dressed as characters from Peter Pan.

There were official prizes on the day, with Best Dressed Car going to Den and Vee, Best Dressed Adult being taken by Shaz, Best Dressed Child shared by Poppy and Willow and Furthest Travelled the aforementioned Essex Classics.

Lee Collier said: “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone for their donations of raffle prizes, with thanks going to Thanet Motor Centre, Duncan and Graham Chartered Architects, Southcoast Automotive Photography, Edwards Embroidery, Pick N Paint a Pot and Pegwell Bay Hotel, as well as many other individuals that would take too long to list. Thank you!

“We were also very lucky to have with us the Mayor of Margate, Councillor Iris Johnston and Academy FM’s Howard Evans, who joined us for the cruise with the best seats on the Routemaster bus. It was great to have them with us and it seemed like they both enjoyed their day.

“The last few people that I need to thank are the Red Arrow Club because without their support (and their brilliant bacon rolls) this event wouldn’t have been as successful as it was.”

The event raised well over £1000 for the charity and if you are interested in future runs click here