A BRIEF HISTORY OF BOSTON CLASSIC CAR CLUB
Following the purchase of a 1966 Sunbeam Alpine that was ripe for restoration in 1981, John Simpson, the current Chairman and member “Number One” of the Boston Classic Car Club, joined the Sunbeam Alpine Owners Club. The Club was well established within the United Kingdom, but it soon became clear there was little activity from them within the Boston area. Some two years later and being somewhat depressed because of the lack of activity John sought the assistance of a fellow enthusiast and together they organised a classic car show within the Boston Downtown shopping complex. This proved a most successful exercise, in that between 90 and 100 owners attended to display their cars, and the public arrived in significant numbers. This at least proved that there was a good level of interest in classic cars generally, and by the owners of the older vehicles in particular.
Following on from that initial Show, John, who was also a member of the Boston Motorcycle and Light Car Club, together with a small nucleus of fellow enthusiasts, formed a classic car section within that Club. Several events were organised including shows, road runs and the like, and those events became very popular and raised significant income for the Club.
Seeing little prospect of furthering the interest of classic car owners within the Motorcycle and Light Car Club, it was decided to place an advertisement in the Lincolnshire Standard and await developments. The response was encouraging, and a get together was organised at which a dozen enthusiasts attended. From that small beginning in 1990 the Boston Classic Car Club was born, and quickly blossomed, today boasting a membership of in excess of 270 paid up members.
From the outset the aim of the Club has been to promote the use, restoration and enjoyment of classic cars by like-minded people of all ages and of either gender. A further aim has been to encourage members to meet socially and to organise events other than those closely associated with classic cars.
Today, there is a very good selection of cars within the Club ranging from those designed and manufactured in the 1920s through to the late 1990s. Not all are what one might consider in pristine condition, but they are all very much cherished, and loved. Several members are extremely keen, and the rewards for their effort are borne out by the number of trophies won each year at both local and national events.
In the summer of 1991 members began to attend events as a Club, and at their first attempt won the award for the best “Club Stand” at the Peterborough “Popular Classics Magazine Show”. This initial success set the standard for all future events…
Also since 1992 the Club has regularly organised its own Show, the first being staged in a large playing field at Wrangle. That first event was a great success, but over the years the venue became too small and a move was made to Graves Park at Kirton. Next year the Club will be staging its 30th annual Show at our new venue at Mays’ Field, Hubberts Bridge, a larger site where we can also accommodate public parking and offer a more family friendly environment.
The Club holds regular social events, meeting up at the Graves Park Social Club, Skeldyke Road, Kirton (just off the A16) every third Tuesday in the month. Guest speakers, quizzes, video presentations are the norm for these evenings that are supplemented by refreshments arranged by the members.
Most summer weekends are taken up with attendance at the numerous regular events organised throughout Lincolnshire and the surrounding counties. There are, however, a number of events organised each year to celebrate particular occasions or themes where the Club is called upon to provide a display. To summarise, the Club Committee endeavour to arrange events to suit most peoples` tastes, and the continuing enthusiastic response from members indicates that it has been very successful.
Every month the Club publishes its own excellent magazine, the “Boston Classic News”. The magazine includes details of future events, as well as providing a market place for saleable items. Also featured are articles detailing advice on matters associated with classic cars together with other items that are considered to be of general interest to the membership.
Over the years in excess of £35,000 has been raised for local charities. This has been achieved by raffle prizes donated by the members at every event, together with the profit made from “in house” auctions and the annual shows.
The success of this local Club arises simply from the hard work of the Committee and the enthusiasm of its members. The aim for this year is to recruit as many members from the younger generation as possible, and a start has been made by inviting owners of cars produced in the early 2000s and we have introduced an award for the young enthusiast to our show, the next one is scheduled for 14th August 2022.
The Club welcomes new members, and if you would like to join a very active and enthusiastic group, contact the Membership Secretary, Keith Wright, on 01205 290818 who will be delighted to provide you with more details.
Also you can follow us on Facebook, Boston Classic Car Club, and keep up to date by visiting www.bostonclassiccarclub.org.uk
