Automotive industry charity, Ben, is raising awareness about the support currently being provided to automotive individuals and families who are struggling with money worries, debt or urgent financial need.

Due to the continued cost-of-living pressures, Ben is providing vital support for many automotive families who would otherwise have to make impossible choices such as whether to put food on the table or pay essential bills.

Over the past 12 months, Ben’s helpline has managed nearly 16,000 enquiries and administered over 600 financial grants for those struggling with money. In addition, Ben’s support services team have provided hundreds of automotive individuals with financial information, advice and guidance to help them get back on track with their finances, as well as support them with the wider impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. In the last year, the demand for Ben’s services and support has grown by over 15%.

Money worries often have a knock-on effect on people’s mental health and wellbeing. According to Ben’s research[1], 7 in 10 of our automotive family worry about money and these people are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety, low mood and depression. Year on year, the number of people worrying about money has increased (from 6 in 10), debt increased by 3% (19% to 22%), being unable to budget increased by 12% (14% to 26%) and skipping meals increased by 6% (10% to 16%).

With the summer holidays approaching, this time of year can be a real headache for parents. Additional costs add up over the holiday period and back-to-school items such as uniforms, bags and PE kits add financial pressure. Ben is urging automotive families not to struggle alone and to get in touch. Families who Ben has already supported have recently said:
“Ben’s support has been amazing, thank you for making a real difference in our household. You have absolutely no idea how much this has meant to us after the year we’ve had.”

“The food vouchers will make an amazing difference to the whole family. It’s been a long road this year. Although we’ve had lows, you’ve given us some great highs, especially for the family. You have been a great support.”

“Thank you, I’m feeling rather overwhelmed. It will help a great deal and I am very grateful.”

Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “Cost-of-living pressures are still having a significant effect on many people in our automotive family. As a parent myself, I know that families now face the added costs that the summer holidays bring, as well as the back-to-school expenses. This is why we need to make sure everyone in our automotive industry knows that Ben is here for them.  

“If you’re worrying about how you’re going to afford your food shop or your bills and the effect this is having on your mental or physical health, please get in touch. You’re not alone, Ben’s here for you. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can help you get back on track. If you’re struggling or at breaking point, contact our free and confidential helpline today.”

Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. Ben is already supporting many automotive families this Summer. Don't suffer in silence, contact our helpline: 08081 311 333 or use our webchat at www.ben.org.uk. You can also access Ben’s out of hours text support line by texting BEN to 85258.

Sign up to receive tips, advice and tools from Ben at www.ben.org.uk/signup and, for online support with money, visit www.ben.org.uk/money.

The famous event, held at Stafford County Showground, over the 12-13th October 2024 is the number one classic motorcycling event in the world. With thousands of bikes on display, live stunts, the famous Bonhams auction and World Champions Carl Fogarty and Frankie Chili as star guests -  the show attracts thousands of visitors from across Europe.

A major star of the show is the magnificent steam section, which is packed with 30 miniature steam engines, 70 stationary engines and 60 full-size steam engines of all descriptions. For many visitors, seeing the fabulous line-up of showmans’ engines, with their gleaming, twisted brass, really is a highlight. The ‘Demonstration Arena’ puts the mighty machines to the test, and there’s even the opportunity to drive one. Also, don’t miss the grand parade of miniature steam in the Alec Tanner arena, and be sure to check out the steamrollers in action.

Every mode of vintage transport is represented, and in motion – from a huge display of heavy haulage commercial and industrial trucks, mixed with classic plant and machinery, to more than 160 military machines, American auto trucks and ex-emergency services vehicles. You might even get a bit wet from the fire-tender demonstrations!

The tractor display is second to none, with many clubs choosing South Cerney as their national event. The display is filled with more than 200 tractors, showcasing a wonderful selection of agricultural machinery.

But the event isn’t just about transport…

The Animal and Countryside Arena – From falconry displays, ferret racing, rare breeds, shire horses and horse-logging to beehive-making – it’s all here among the rural displays and educational demonstrations. The popular fun dog show will make its return each day, with all money raised going to Teckels animal shelter – and with 2024 being the International Year of Camelids, ‘Camels through the Ages’ will be making its event debut. This entertaining show features fabulous costumes and informative commentary, to provide an insight into the long history of camel use and culture.

Kids of all ages will love it too – Don’t forget the vintage fairground attractions, some of which are powered by the steam engines. Take a ride on the steam-driven ‘gallopers’, Waltzers or The Yachts – the white-knuckle ride of the 1920s. Drive on the dodgems, see the fair from the air on the Carnival Big Wheel, or have a go on the traditional penny arcade games. You can take a sedate ride on the beautiful Carousel while listening to the fairground organs playing melodies from yesteryear, or board a 10¼in scale steam locomotive or ‘Chuffy the train’ for a passenger ride. Professor Collywobbles returns with his traditional Punch and Judy Show, and the model tent is a ‘must do’. Step into the world of miniature engineering with its models and diorama displays. Making their debut will be The UK Association of Circus Model Builders.

NEW FOR 2024: Swinging you back in time - Be sure to visit the new FREE vintage entertainment tent, featuring live swing music, lindy hop dancing, hair demonstrations by Vintage Victory Roller, retro fashion show, an introduction to Burlesque to dance lessons with ‘Just Jive’ Swindon. Why not dress up in your vintage finery and enter the ‘Best Dressed’ competition? Guest musicians include one of the premier Big Bands in the South West: The Midwest Big Band. This 18-piece Big Band has within its ranks some of the very best local talent – including professional conductor Bob Cutting (ex-Herb Miller band) – and will perform music from Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and golden tracks from the legends of swing.

Massive trade stand zone - Featuring more than 100 curiosity stalls and an autojumble to rummage around, it’s a great opportunity to find a bargain. Or visit the huge craft marquee housing a range of rural crafts and artisan small stalls. Meet the experts and learn about the skills and pastimes that have survived for generations and continue to thrive today.

Food & drink – There are plenty of food and drink ‘pit stops’ across the showground. A firm favourite is the We’ll Meet Again Tea Room, a vintage-themed tearoom set in the 1940s with vintage crockery, props and live music from the fabulous vintage performer Miss Em. It’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere and relax with a cuppa and delicious homemade cake.

There's also the ever-popular Beer Tent located near the vintage fairground featuring live music throughout the weekend. We are delighted to welcome back the Cricklade Brass Band. The band was formed in 1887, and are the oldest established, continuously active association in Cricklade. Often assumed to be a professional band, their team of young-at-heart musicians prefer to concentrate on being an up-to-date, entertaining community brass big band playing a set list of well-known tunes. The Cricklade Brass Band can be seen Saturday and Sunday in the Beer Tent.

FREE vintage bus rides – These operate around the perimeter of the show site, and to and from Cirencester town centre and Kemble railway station to the showground. The vintage bus service connects with selected First Great Western trains including Stroud, Gloucester and Cheltenham. Please check the timetable on the website.

Steam trailer tractor rides - operated by Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue to help raise funds for the Firefighters Charity. The charity provides mental, physical, and social needs of all serving and retired members of the UK's fire family. Members of the local service will be on hand with a fire engine too.

The steam trailer tractor rides are by donation and are another way in which the Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza supports charities, preservation projects and community initiatives.
For further information, please visit: www.glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk

Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Fair Extravaganza
Dates: Friday 2 to Sunday 4 August 2024
Venue: South Cerney Airfield, Northmoor Lane, South Cerney, GL7 5QD
Times: 10.00am until 5.00pm

Ticket Prices
Advance tickets available until Thursday 1 August.
Visit: www.glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk

The British Motor Museum is to open a new, groundbreaking exhibition. ‘From Sketch to Street’ will open to the public on 19 July and will run until April 2025.  This unique feature exhibition explores the art and engineering involved in historic British car design, while inspiring hope for the industry’s future.

From Sketch to Street will showcase the creative and technical processes behind iconic and innovative vehicles across Britain's motor manufacturing past through five key themes: interior design, exterior design, functional design, materials, and trim. Visitors will be able to unpick the processes and people behind the cars and see how their own design ideas could shape the future.

Highlights of the exhibition include designers’ initial sketches, items on loan from luxury car brands and even a highly anticipated modern clay model.  There will be hands-on interactives, inviting visitors to solve design problems or think about what would matter to them when designing a car. This all comes together to form a memorable opportunity to discover the artistic and engineering visions that bring together beauty and function.

Cat Boxall, Curator at the British Motor Museum said, "We are thrilled to bring this unique and groundbreaking exhibition to the Museum. It will celebrate the rich history of car design and look at the innovative and creative spirit that continues to drive the industry forward. We look forward to seeing what our visitors think as they join us on this fascinating journey and uncover the treasures of this new exhibition.”

Access to the exhibition is included with standard Museum admission tickets. Museum entry is just £43 for a family in advance or £49 on the day, £16 for adults in advance or £19 on the day, £14 for concessions in advance or £17 on the day, £9 for children (5-16 years) in advance or £10 on the day and under 5s are FREE. There is also the option to Gift Aid or donate your entry fee and get an Annual Pass in return at no extra cost.  To find out more information about the exhibition, please visit the website at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/explore/from-sketch-to-street

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland's ‘Live Fast Die Old’ Motorcycle Safety Campaign returns for the 2024 motorbike season.

Despite accounting for less than 1% of all road traffic in Scotland, bikers account for 17% of road deaths, with negotiating bends and overtaking among the riskiest manoeuvres.

The campaign, which will be live until 29 September 2024, features a series of films which highlight the thrill of riding in beautiful landscapes, while also reminding bikers to enjoy Scotland’s roads safely.

The dedicated ‘Live Fast Die Old’ website and Facebook page house the campaign films and offer other rich and engaging content, with films and blogs from Scottish bikers sharing first-hand experience and tips with peers, as well as route inspiration and best practice advice.

The campaign will be live on digital, social and outdoor channels supported by PR. Representatives from the ‘Live Fast Die Old’ campaign will also be attending this year’s Thunder in the Glens Festival in Aviemore (23 to 26 August 2024).

article supplied