The journey: ‘Practical Classics’ Classic Car and Restoration Show 2019
Elliot • 9 March 2019
I’m super excited to announce this…
Bess will be on display at the 2019 ‘Practical Classics’ Car and Restoration show at the NEC, Birmingham from the 22nd to the 24th March.
This will be the very first public outing of Bess since I acquired her. It will also be the proper launch for this blog, and the start of the very long
journey to get her back on the road.
Being a total novice, I’m hoping to share the story of the car, whilst researching and seeking out some people and businesses that can help me with the restoration effort. I’m also hoping that some members of the family will be able to join me at various points over the weekend too.
If you’d like to come and have a closer look at Black Bess, get and advanced preview of the extensive timeline of events that have led up to this point, or simply just say hello, I’ll be with some lovely friends on the Gay Classic Car Group
in hall 5
on stand 380
.
Also at the show this year will be my very good friend James Davis with his absolutely beautiful MGA twin cam roadster. Much like Bessy, the MG has an exceptional story to tell. Not only this, but James is using the story to raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.
You’ll find the “MGAlzheimers” (and a very proud James) on the Association of Heritage Engineers, also in hall 5. It’s well worth a read of James’ page too: mgalzheimers.co.uk
Come and say hello. We'd love to see you. I've even included a picture of the two of us so you know who you're looking for.
Links:
Tickets to the show are available here: necrestorationshow.com
To find out more about the Gay Classic Car Group, please visit the club site here: gccg.org.uk
The Association of Heritage Engineers, their website is here: associationofheritageengineers.co.uk
Firstly, in addition to sharing the video of the reveal I said I would share details of the JustGiving page that we've set up to raise some funds for The Royal British Legion , The Alzheimer's Society and Mind in his memory. You'll find the page for donations HERE , and I've also updated the original post with the same link. Alternatively, you can click on the charity logo image below.
If you knew my grandad personally his funeral will be held on 25 March 2021 at Sandwell Crematoriu m, although it is likely that Covid-19 restrictions will limit numbers. In lieu of flowers, all we’re asking is that you do what came so naturally to him - Tell those people precious to you that you love them. If you’d like to make a donation to his memory, we will be splitting the proceeds three ways. To the Royal British Legion, the Alzheimer’s Society and of course, to Mind. You can do so by heading to our JustGiving page . For now though, there are plenty of wonderful memories for us to immerse ourselves in. How lucky we are to have them. And how lucky we were to have you; Ron, Ronaldo Longero, Corporal R.S Long, ‘Old Grumpy’... Grandad. Sleep well. We love you.
It's time to end the stigma of metnal health. You are not alone.
How did we manage to uncover such a rich histroy for Bess? A lucky find and the power of the internet... Read the latest to find out more.
One of the sacrifices that needs to be made in order to get bess back on the road is my lovely MINI GP.
Well, I'm not quite sure how it happened, but I've had her back for a whole year...
As a follow up to my story, I share my thoughts on some of the feedback and engagement I've had. There are also a couple of questions that I'd like to hear form you about.
...we start the task of dismantling her. That's right, the restoration has begun. But here's one last look around before the transformation begins.
A follow up after the vlog of my story. Read about the impact it's had at home and work. #mindyourmind
