By Isle of Wight Observer
After Vectis Historic Vehicle Club’s December 2025 Christmas Collection was cancelled, members decided to stage an Easter fund-raising event instead.
After anxiously watching the forecast change throughout the week, from dry to wet and back again, members were greeted by grey skies and light drizzle as the day began on Saturday, April 4, however 12 brave souls made the journey through the murk.
The weather improved by 11am and people started to arrive. Donations were gratefully received. One lady asked whether copper coins were accepted and, on being told yes, produced two large bags of 2p pieces. The club treasurer will no doubt look forward to counting them.
The day continued, with visits to the nearby chip shop, until 2.30pm when the stiff breeze left everyone feeling cold and uncomfortable. Joe Kitney then took the collection buckets away to be counted. The collection on the day raised £384, which will be added to £366 donated by members at club talks, along with a further £250 from club funds, making a total of £1,000, which was presented to Mountbatten Hospice.
Mountbatten CEO, Becky McGregor, said: “I just wanted to say thank you all for your amazing ongoing support. It is so appreciated more than ever as we face challenging financial times.”
Those taking part were Chris and Mel Richards with a Morris Traveller, Mike and Dee Brackstone with a Rover, Tim De Bues, who was without a car after a wiring fire in his Rover, Simon O’Dea with a Citroen Libertine in polished aluminium, Kevin Farrow with an MGB GT, Andy Barker with a Panther, Robin Hibberd with a Corvette, Stan Emery with a Ford Consul, Roger Gooden with a TXI taxi, Kevin and Karen Attwood with a Bentley, Peter Benton with a Ford Model Y, Geoff and Sue Dean with a Citroen 2CV, Bill and Vickie Rasmussen with an MGA, and Peter Hodgson with a Healey.
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter