KMJ Restorations Charity Open Day Helps Hospiscare Exeter…
Words and Photographs by Kim Henson.
It never ceases to amaze me how generous in spirit most classic car owners, clubs and firms are…
In the last few days I have attended different events in the south and west of England, at which considerable sums of money have been unselfishly raised for charitable causes, by various individuals and organisations.
These include the Dorset-based Poole Bay Classics Club, which has donated cash to Dorset Cancer Care and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, plus, at a classic car talk last evening, 25th October, Alzheimer’s Research UK.
In addition, last Saturday, 22nd October, KMJ Restorations in Exeter, under the auspices of John Reed (Proprietor) and his wife Tina, held their annual Open Day at their premises in the city. Each year they raise money for a different local charity in the south-west.
I was lucky enough to be invited (thank you John and Tina), and was able to attend…
The event was blessed by beautifully sunny (if chilly) weather, and a multitude of classic vehicles and their owners (some, but not all, customers of John’s) turned up on the day.
Vehicles lining up at John’s premises included all shapes, sizes, types and ages, from a wonderful 1939 Mack Six wheeler military vehicle, to a variety of Ford Anglia 105E/123E models, to a post-War Standard 4/8A saloon (Flying Standard derivative) to a Hillman Minx Convertible, to an array of more recent classics (plus everything in between).
On offer to attendees was a hot and tasty buffet/BBQ, plus drinks, and the chance to buy raffle tickets in a most impressive draw.
The calling of the lucky winners’ tickets took a very long time, such was the variety of donated prizes on offer.
As the sun dipped behind the yard arm (in fact, industrial units bordering the parking area in front of KMJ’s workshops…), the proceeds were totted up and the result was an impressive £400 plus for Exeter Hospiscare, including over £100 raised by the raffle alone.
Exeter Hospiscare exists to help those people nearing the ends of their lives, and their families. The words of Glynis Atherton, Hospiscare Chief Executive, amply sum up the organisation’s mission… “We want everyone approaching the end of their lives to receive the best possible care and to die in their preferred place of care”.
On a personal level, having lost several close relatives and friends during the last year, due to a variety of medical difficulties, I say, “Well done to everyone involved, and especially to the organisers of, and contributors to, such excellent fund-raising events”.