Out and About - 2021
Here you will find a brief summary of the events in which our Branch members have been involved. Full accounts are published in the members' Branch Newsletter each month.
A Couple of Runs Out - March 2021
One of our Branch members has taken the opportunity to take his Morris Minors out for some essential travel on a couple of occasions. He took advantage of the good weather and photographed two of his Minors. The photo of the pickup was taken at Townsend Fold railway crossing and the convertible was taken in his local town.
Red Nose Day - Friday 19th March 2021 
For Red Nose Day some of our members displayed their Morris Minors. A Traveller, with its Comic Relief nose on the bonnet was on display to show support for the charity. A Saloon was also parked on another member's drive for Red Nose Day. Hopefully, as people walked by, both cars will have raised a bit of interest for this worthwhile charity.
Classics for Carers - Saturday 20th March 2021
This was a ‘Stay at Home Rally’ for Classics for Carers. It is an award-winning charity event for classic vehicle enthusiasts across the UK and is designed to give thanks to the NHS for their amazing work. It also fundraises for NHS Charities Together. The 2021 event was focused on NHS wellbeing and mental health and was aiming to raise £13,000 to fund an NHS wellbeing pod - a quiet space for staff. Rally plates and stickers were sold to display on vehicles. As it was a ‘stay at home rally’, the idea was to park your classic on the drive for passers-by to see as they go about their day. The photo shows 'Betty' proudly on display at the end of the drive and were joined by a friend a few doors down who had their Ford Escort on display. Hopefully, the event will exceed its objective this year especially at a time when workers in the NHS are most in need of a quiet place to be able to sit quietly and gather their thoughts. Donations can be made via (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/classicsforcarers2021).
1st Anniversary of the National Lockdown – 23rd March 2021
On this day two members parked their Pickup on their front drive as a mark of respect for this anniversary.
The Rally Plaques on display on the windscreen are;
The 2020 STAYHOME RALLY
3rd May 2020 - The National Stay at Home Motor Show - Classics for Carers
7th June 2020 - The National Stay at Home Motor Show - Classics for Carers
20th March 2021 - The National Stay at Home Motor Show - Classic for Carers
All profits from the sale of these Rally Plaques are donated to NHS Charities together by the manufacturer.
St George’s Day – Friday 23rd April 2021
Sadly, the Branch’s annual appearance at the St George’s Day Parade in Lytham St Annes could not happen this year due to Covid restrictions. However, one member's Traveller was not going to miss out and certainly flew the flag for St George’s Day.
Drive It Day – Sunday 25th April 2021 
After Drive It Day had to be shelved last year because of the pandemic Branch members this year were determined to get their cars out for a drive – all within the current restrictions of course.
Given below are some photos from various members who drove to St Catherine’s Hospice, Calder Vale and around Cumbria amongst other destinations. It was a glorious sunny day and everyone enjoyed the freedom of being out and about in their beloved cars.
Mechanics Day - Saturday 12th June 2021
After over 15 months we were able to hold our first Mechanics Day on 12 June. It was great to see so many cars coming and going during the day – in excess of a dozen – and to see a number of new members coming along to see what we do. In addition to cups of tea and pie eating there was the usual natter and several small mechanical jobs sorted on members' cars. Overall it was a productive day and enjoyed by those present.
Apart from the work done to the cars Mechanics Day is a great way of meeting like-minded people and getting advice – and spare parts – when needed. Lancashire Branch members are always welcome and you don’t have to be mechanically minded or don a pair of overalls!
Bring Your Vehicle Night – Tuesday 7th September 2021
It was a lovely evening for the last BYVN of 2021 at Farm Yard Ales, Cockerham. The area was absolutely packed out. I do know how many vehicles were there but there must have been hundreds! There was not a cloud in the sky but we did have a fly-past from a couple of skeins of geese as they returned to the marshes after feeding on the harvested cornfields during the day.
BVPG Car Show, Lytham Green – Sunday 12th September 2021
Our Branch now has a club stand at all BVPG events and we did them proud as 14 Minors were lined up outside the Clifton Arms Hotel on the Green alongside the seafront. It was great to see such a variety of vehicles including the lovely and unique milk float which often attends these events. But there were not only Minors there as a great turnout of around 100 vehicles spread out along the prom – including two lovely charabancs from a by gone era. Club members enjoyed getting together and chatting as picnics were eaten and ice creams enjoyed! 
It is very clear that everyone is enjoying getting out and about again and making the most of the remaining events as the season draws to a close.
LVC Car Show, Worden Park – Sunday 19th September 2021
Many thanks to our friends at the Lancashire Vehicle Club for being so welcoming at their show at Worden Park, Leyland on Sunday 19th September. We welcomed to the Branch Stephen Behagg who travelled all the way from Barrow in Furness to meet up with us at Worden Park. His glorious pickup is in the pictures. The weather was so much nicer than the forecast had suggested, with the sun fairly beating down on us when we arrived. We did get some rain showers but nothing major and they soon blew over.
The Roses Run – Sunday 19th September 2021
Our Branch was represented in this great event again. This year the run was from Morecambe to Scarborough and was enjoyed by all those who took part.
Blackpool Illuminations Run – Wednesday 13th October 2021
As the song goes – ‘Oh, what a night!’ After meeting at The Phantom Winger in Preston and driving in convoy along the M55, 23 cars grouped together at Starr Gate before starting their slow but fantastic drive through this year’s illuminations. Some of us with convertibles braved the roof down which gave a magical view of the lights above. We were greeted with waves by passers-by and hoots from other vehicles as we drove past the Tower to end our journey with a fish and chip supper at The Bispham Kitchen.
These trips are always memorable and thanks go to Andrew W and Andrew R for organising this year’s outing so well. It is these sorts of events which make the Branch so great.