PRESS RELEASE: FBHVC calls for “pragmatic and constructive” historic vehicle registration regime5/7/2024
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) is calling on the new Secretary of State for Transport – and the DVLA for which they will be responsible – to work with it to achieve, a “pragmatic and constructive” historic vehicle registration regime.
The DVLA is responsible for vehicle registration and licensing on behalf of the Transport Secretary, having taken over the responsibility from local authorities from 1973. The FBHVC move follows its submission yesterday to the government’s ‘Call for Evidence’ (CFE) into the DVLA. Unveiled by previous Transport Secretary Mark Harper, in a visit to Bicester Heritage on 9 May, the CFE asks 46 questions about the present system and responses had to be made by 4 July 2024. The last three years have seen the FBHVC working hard to overcome a range of difficulties being faced by historic vehicle owners with the DVLA concerning vehicle registration. Extensive dialogue with the DfT and DVLA, has drawn attention to the current challenges and inconsistencies surrounding the historic vehicle community’s interaction with their policies. Last year, the FBHVC was invited to take part in a formal Cabinet Office review into the DVLA, which saw the Federation submit many pages of evidence covering the extensive issues and problems, now addressed in the CFE. Representing more than 250,000 historic vehicle enthusiasts, from its 500 affiliated clubs, 50 museums plus individual and trade supporters, the FBHVC says the CFE was “extremely positive and very welcome”. However, its detailed examination found the CFE to be “less than entirely clear in providing background information for all of the questions it poses.” And, the FBHVC was concerned that respondents, “particularly those who may not deal with historic vehicle registration matters and DVLA on a regular basis, may not fully appreciate the significance.” To address this and to ensure that members’ views were correctly represented a simplified survey based on the CFE was constructed and circulated by the FBHVC to all its clubs, museums and supporters. The survey proposed a FBHVC response to each question and requested indication of agreement or otherwise, with a free-text box for comments. In total 4,485 responses to the survey were received, with 81.2% agreeing in full with the FBHVC’s proposed responses. Of the rest, the majority were concerned with three main subject areas (kit cars and conversions, historic & classic vehicles and special treatments, vehicles converted to electric), with each topic attracting responses from 254 to 287 people (7% of the total surveyed). All comments were assessed by the FBHVC team and, where possible, were incorporated into the formal FBHVC response to the CFE. Responding to the Government’s call for ideas and suggestions to improve the system, the FBHVC says it “would like to see, and is willing to work with the DVLA to achieve, a pragmatic and constructive registration regime” that:
“Specialist clubs have considerable knowledge and attempts should be made to utilise this” it says. “FBHVC can and is prepared to provide a co-ordinating and guiding function. The current V765 or Reconstructed Classic schemes could provide a procedural template for club involvement.” To read the full FBHVC response visit: https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/consultations The next issue of HISTORIC the FBHVC magazine (sent to all members) will have a special article explaining how the response was formulated. For online version with links to previous DVLA review news go to: https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/fbhvc-calls-for-pragmatic-and-constructive-historic-vehicle-registration-regime Kind regards Mel Holley Secretary, Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs Ltd PO Box 1563 Peterborough PE1 9AU Tel: 01708 223111 Email: [email protected] Registered in England, Company No. 3842316. VAT Reg. No. 636 7886 83 National ‘Drive it Day’/‘Ride it Day’ is the annual opportunity to raise awareness and support amongst the public for the historic vehicle movement and keeping heritage on UK roads. It sees clubs schedule regional and local events throughout the country on Sunday 21 April 2024 Importantly, it also raises funds for the NSPCC’s Childline. We use yesterday’s vehicles to support today’s children. Fundraising is an integrated part of ‘Drive it Day’, in which our movement comes together to contribute to a section of society that needs huge help and support – vulnerable children. This money is raised by the purchase by drivers and riders of a fundraising ‘Drive it Day’ rally plaque. It’s an easy way for drivers and riders to show their support, and donate vital funds. Last year, we raised a record £51,000 and we’d like to beat that in 2024! A variety of rally plaques, for bikes and cars, (or just make a donation) are available now at www.driveitday.co.uk Join in the fun! Sunday 21st April  In the January / February edition of The Independent a discussion has been opened by Bill Drummond (Vice President) on the image of the club and the possibility of updating the club name to better represent the changing 2 Stroke scene. (See page 13 January / February 2024.) Bill has invited feedback on his article so if you have any views or opinions on the future direction of the club please contact him directly by e-mail [email protected] or by phone on 01483 272765. Alongside this discussion we are also conducting a Two-Stroke Ownership Survey to gather information on the habits of two-stroke owners and how the club might better cater for them. The survey is open to both members and non-members. The on-line form can be found on the web site here. Two Stroke Ownership Survey 2024 This is your chance to contribute your thoughts on the direction the club should be going in.
We would welcome your input! Frank has extended an invitation to his talk to BTSC members in the Gloucester area. See flier below for details.  Life Vice President and Former Director of The British Two Stroke Club Limited Brian, who was a founder member, when the Club reformed back in 1979/1980 together with Colin Atkinson and Dave Benson, sadly passed away after a short illness in October. Brian was a Life Vice President and was a director from 2004 to 2021. Brian was a regular at Colin’s meeting, riding through the Dartford Tunnel on his trusted Greeves, but in the 1990’s he decided to relocate to the South Coast, to be nearer to his daughter Karen and his Grandchildren. He came to live a few roads away from me in Waterlooville, Hampshire and by chance, we met up and started the Solent Section of the Club. Brian then accompanied me on my various trips to France (Luc Sur Mer and The Somme), Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg. He was also a very active Member of the Club attending the AGM’s, Chiltern Hundred Runs, Surrey Hills etc. He also took part in the International West Kent Runs. He could always be trusted to have a cup of tea wherever he went. We used to meet once a month in his house in Waterlooville, planning what and where we should go every Wednesday and Sunday. We were always made welcome by Janet and Brian, with tea and cake. We had many an adventure around the country leaving his exhaust system on the A272. Having to make a makeshift gear lever from a spark plug spanner on the West Kent Run, riding miles with a flat type on his little Bown, smoking out France on my Greeves on the hills near Arromanches in France, but we always got home safe and sound. Brian would always be there to volunteer if we needed, as a backup driver and I recall twice we made trips with the Francis Barnett Club (The long trip from Lands’ End to John O’Groats and back and the Welsh Dragon run) where he drove his trusted Car, pulling our two-bike trailer for thousands of miles, never complaining, whist we enjoyed the riding. His skills of reversing a trailer into the most difficult of places and getting stuck were well known! On our various trips aboard, we had many an adventure, I recall on one trip to the Somme his gearbox on his 250 MZ broke on the way to Dover, he returned home with only top gear working, then switched bikes to his 150 MZ and belted around the M25 to arrive early the next morning in time to catch the Ferry. On another occasion in France at the Hotel near Luc sur mer he produced a tray, cups, and teapot from his bag together with English teabags so that he and his roommates could have a decent cup of tea each morning. He was a true Gentleman. Brian always a keen dog lover and walker and accompanied me on a monthly trip to London where we set ourselves a challenge, to visit as many of the Free Museums and Wetherspoons in London Area using our free bus passes and the Megabus (train) rides. We set ourselves a budget of £10 a trip. We visited 54 Wetherspoons and countless museums, even getting on the Thames Clipper to Greenwich and when asked if we had a Freedom of London Passed Brian said yes and we got subsidised travel. I asked Brian what a Freedom of London Pass was, and he said no idea. We caught the Free Bus Back. On another occasion he manged to arrange a backstage visit to the Globe Theatre all for free, he had many friends and colleagues throughout the country. He also helped arrange the local Mayor of Havant charity bike ride (raising thousands for local charities), putting up and taking down the signs without a fuss always there to help. Sadly, as his health deteriorated, we had to stop the trips, but we then went out each week in my 1935 Morris 8 just for a cup of tea until he was not able. A true rider of Motorcycles and supporter of Two Strokes Rest in peace now Brian. You will be missed. Robert Hill BTSC Secretary From: Mel Holley <[email protected]>
Date: 14 September 2023 at 12:57:55 BST Subject: URGENT - Special offer for your members for this Saturday's Motul Hill Climb at Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire Good afternoon We appreciate that this is short notice, but we'd be grateful of you could share this with your members please. The key message is that members of FBHVC-affiliated clubs (i.e. your members) will receive a discount of 15% OFF when using promo code FBHVC23 in checkout. Details are below: Drive Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb at the first ever Motul Hill Climb Drive the oldest motorsport venue in the world still to run events on the original course on Saturday 23rd September 2023. Each driver will get 4-6 runs up the hill in their own vehicle with passenger and spectator passes sold separately. As an FBHVC member, tickets are discounted by using promo code FBHVC23 If you are a car club member, don't forget to use your discount code! DRIVER PASS https://www.clubmotul.co.uk/p/shelsley-walsh-driver-pass/355 Take in the countryside as you countdown to a mile of iconic twists, turns and straights of the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb. PASSENGER PASS https://www.clubmotul.co.uk/p/shelsley-walsh-passenger-pass/356 Strap yourself into the passenger seat for a ride up the legendary Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb. SPECTATOR PASS https://www.clubmotul.co.uk/p/shelsley-walsh-spectator-pass/357 Watch an eclectic mix of cars speed to the top of the hill at Shelsley Walsh and enjoy the rolling hill of the Worcestershire countryside. WHAT'S ON? https://www.clubmotul.co.uk/r/club-motul-hillclimb/65 FOOD&DRINK The bar will be open to keep drinks flowing and there will be a selection of food available throughout the day. PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS There will be prizes for 'Best in Batch', 'Best in Show' and 'Surprise of Shelsley' at the end of the day and some Motul giveaways too. OIL ANALYSIS Motul will be offering an oil analysis service. Oil samples will be taken from your vehicle on the day and a full health report will be sent out to you via the Motul UK Technical Manager. Technical support will also be available on the day. Mel Holley Secretary, Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs Ltd. PO Box 1563 Peterborough PE1 9AU PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS ABOVE, the telephone number remains unchanged Tel: 01708 223111 Email: [email protected] Registered in England, Company No. 3842316. VAT Reg. No. 636 7886 83 The run was inaugurated many years ago by Bill Drummond, who has decided to give it up due to family commitments. Fortunately Ron Lewis has stepped into the breach to organise the run and keep it alive.
Ron comments, "I’d like express my gratitude for his (Bill's) encouragement and expertise as I endeavour to keep support for the run going." The run will be on Sunday 8th October. Meet at 10.00 for a 10.30 start at Wisborough Green. The run is approximately 40 miles long, travelling through back roads and ending at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. For more information contact Ron Lewis at [email protected] or 07800 539510. Two separate bike thefts have been reported to the club recently.
The first theft was from premises in Cottingham, Northamptonshire where three bikes were stolen. One was recovered but still missing are Suzuki GT 500 registration VHP 181S and Suzuki GT 750 registration SLU 917R. Our second reported theft is from a garage in the Coventry area. Stolen was a James Cadet 324 XVU, engine number 15T1227, frame number CL15A7284, colour maroon. Please keep an eye out for these bikes. Should you come across them or have any information regarding the thefts please e-mail me on [email protected] As the club speeds towards it's smokey 100 year anniversary we are setting club members a challenge which harks back to the clubs inception back in 1929 and Tommy Meetons love of longer distance ventures.
The BTSC was formed in 1929. The lead being a famous competition rider of the day, T.G. (Tommy) Meeten, a former Tourist Trophy rider and a competitor in the Scottish and International Six Days Trials. He also set several world and endurance records on two-stroke machines. The definitive facts are now lost in the smoke filled past. The story goes that in 1923 he was so impressed by the performance of a 147cc Francis Barnett model he rode in a trial he chose to campaign two-stroke machines in preference to much larger four-strokes. For many years the British Two-Stroke Club was based at T.G's motorcycle shop, originally at Dorking in Surrey and subsequently (as Meetens Motorcycle Mecca) at Shannon Corner, New Malden, also in surrey. He also took a Francis Barnett on a Land’s End to John O’Groats As an homage to Tommy’s pioneering work with two stroke machines, and 2023 being our 94th year the challenge is for 94 members to cover 94 miles in our 94 year, the challenge will be continued, each year the mileage will increase by one mile and by one member until 2029 when we hit the 100. The challenge must be completed in one hit and in one day between 1st April and the 31st October 2023 with a maximum number of competitors for 2023 of 94 and is only open to fully paid up members of the club. Badges and certificates will be awarded to members completing the challenge successfully and recorded in The Independent. Click here for full details along with an application form which is available in the members section of the club website. Best of luck to you all and I hope to hear from the 94 soon. Howard We are very sorry to hear of the death of Dave Benson who was a Life Vice President of our Club. He was also our Marque Specialist on Villiers engined Motorcycles, as well as our Technical Officer. He will be missed by us all. Dave served as a Committee Member and Treasurer for many year and was made a Life Vice President on his retirement. Member Bernard Stevens shares these memories of Dave: I was sad to hear of the passing of Dave Benson yesterday! Dave was a member of the club when I joined 40 years ago.I have to admit not knowing Dave too well but obviously our paths did cross in those years I found his knowledge of all things bike especially Francis Barnet was impressive. On a Chiltern 100 run someone had left their spot on a large roundabout by Luton Airport !Dave took over the lead and took at least 50 miles before we got back to Polluxhill with Dave saying "I thought I would take you the quick way back!" Another year 2007 Dave took part in the West Kent run on a home made special called a 'Walker Bull Dog Pup' a very low rider ,solid rear end, but powered by a 1000 cc JAP V twin. My last meeting with Dave was at the end of the BTSC 90th anniversary run to the Surrey Oaks pub in 2019 where we enjoyed a pint together! great guy ! and will be missed.  |
