The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, tells us…
(Photograph and all words from The Museum).
Lord Montagu of Beaulieu has presented award certificates at the National Motor Museum to students who successfully participated in the Mechanix course and restored a classic yellow 1973 Volkswagen Beetle.
Jon Murden, Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum says, “Every year a local church youth group run a course for young people to learn about cars. This year the “Mechanix” group in Hythe have done an amazing job of restoring a Beetle which was found in a modified state in Plymouth. I’m delighted to have met the young people who worked so hard and learned so much restoring it.”
“Whilst we are a national museum, this course happens to be run on our doorstep, so I am especially pleased that we have been able to host the presentation once again. The course offers a great opportunity for students to learn the skills which will be needed in the years ahead when some of the cars of today need repair and restoration.”
The presentation of certificates in the museum was followed by a tour of the collection given by the museum’s Learning team.
Mechanix sees a group of young people aged 14-17 with no prior car mechanic experience challenged to bring cars up to MOT level during evening courses. The students repaired the VW Beetle in a working garage in Dibden, learning essential car maintenance activities, taking part in a ‘pit stop challenge’ and carrying out practical MOT test procedures in the process. The course provides an opportunity to develop their skills inspiring some of the students to become professional mechanics.
This Mechanix course was organised by St Andrew’s & All Saints’ Church in Dibden, Hampshire. Major local businesses including Shawfix Autos, ExxonMobil, and Draper Tools played a pivotal role in supporting the course.
Reuben Shaw from Shawfix Autos says, “We are really pleased that these students have gained several practical skills and learnt about teamwork. The personal development goals that they each achieved are a real credit to them. I’d like to thank the volunteers, parents and sponsors who have shown great support to these students.”
Reverend Peter Toller of St Andrew’s Church, Dibden Purlieu says, “People often ask why a church is running a project involving cars. Whilst Mechanix is about spending time under the bonnet, it’s also about investing time in young people. We want to show young people they matter, that we see them, and we’re interested in their future flourishing. In this way, we’re following Jesus’ example. Our aim is for young people to grow in workplace skills and confidence to equip them for the future. Our prayer is that they know they matter.”
About the National Motor Museum
• The National Motor Museum Trust Limited is a charitable organisation founded in 1972, which runs the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in the New Forest. Continuing the work of the flagship Montagu Motor Museum, the Trust has a world-famous collection of 250 vehicles and associated motoring items, which are on display in the National Motor Museum. The nearby Collections Centre houses and cares for a vast array of motoring artefacts, photographic images, specialist reference library and film and video library. For more information about its collection and services see www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk
• Visitors to Beaulieu can enjoy a full day out with features including the ancestral Montagu home Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, adventure play area Little Beaulieu, and grounds and gardens. Tickets can be bought in advance. For tickets or more information see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.
• A full calendar of events and exhibitions is held at Beaulieu by the National Motor Museum, including Collection Centre Open Days, Classic Grille Evenings, Meet the Curator events and Transport Torques. Details are available at www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/events