Events which bring visitors to Guernsey benefit the island as a whole
I READ with interest David Dye’s letter relating to the Guernsey Rally and would sympathise with his criticism of the small minority who actively sought to upset the rally arrangements and those generally who would seek to bring this event to an end. Quite apart from the pleasure it gives to those who like this sport, the wider loss to the island should not be overlooked.
As with any event which brings visitors to Guernsey, the immediate beneficiaries are all those involved in tourism – hotels, restaurants, locations as well as retailers and, in the case of motor sport, garages – and the wider beneficiary is Guernsey as a whole.
But it is Mr Dye’s final comment which causes me to write: ‘to encourage veteran, vintage and classic vehicles to come to our island’. We do – and they do.
All the Guernsey motor clubs (and there are several) support visiting clubs and by way of example, over the last few years, members of the Guernsey Old Car Club have been active in bringing to Guernsey:
l The Veteran Car Club of Great Britain (five occasions)
l The De Dion Bouton Club UK
l The Riley Club
l Dorset Austin Seven Club (three occasions)
l Austin Ten Drivers Club
l The Club of Ancient Automobiles and Rallies
l Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club UK
l Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Swedish Section
l Worshipful Company of Carmen
l Epsom MG Club
l Devon Vintage Car Club
l Southern Milestone Motor Club
l Citroen Traction Owners Club
l Bean Car Club
l Austin Big 7 Register
l MG Vintage Register
l Jaguar Enthusiasts Club of Pays de Loire et Bretagne, France
l Thame & District Car Club
l Morgan Car Club
l Fiat 500 Club UK
Of note, too, are planned visits by the De Dion Bouton Club UK between 30 June and 5 July this year and by the Veteran Car Club in 2025.
In addition to these UK and international clubs the Jersey Old Motor Club comes on a biennial basis save, as this year, when the ferry schedule makes this impossible.
Michael Fattorini
La Tourelle
Prince Albert Road
St Peter Port
GY1 1EY