£40,000 raised for charity from Rotary Classic Car Show

The 12th Rotary Classic Car Show, organised by the Bury Abbey Rotary Club one held at Culford Hall, raised around £40,000 for charity with possibly more to come.

The event, which took place on Sunday, July 12, had volunteer support from many other nearby Rotary clubs and local charities.

With more than 40 car clubs and around 500 cars on display, attendees enjoyed a spectacular selection of vehicles gleaming in the sunshine.

This year there was a fantastic range on display ranging from the 1906 classic Brasier to the Gordon Murray T50.

The car owners enjoyed talking to the visitors about their cars, opening their bonnets and letting them sit in the driver’s seat.

Attendees also enjoyed a wide range of food options, from Mexican cuisine to hog roasts, as well as local craft stalls situated under the trees in the park.

Many other local charities also receive donations from Bury Abbey Rotary attended the event, offering visitors the chance to enter competitions, enjoy craft making and learn about the charity.

Club President Max Weatherby said: “This year I was delighted to spend time with some of our nominated charities, EACH and Brave Futures on their stands, speaking with their volunteers and learning more about the amazing outreach work they provide us in Suffolk”

This year, Bury Abbey Rotary supported EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices), which provides care and support to children and families across the region.

With three hospices in East Anglia, EACH relies heavily on community events like the Classic Car Show to secure funding—85 per cent of their income comes from public donations.

Katie McSweeney, EACH community fundraiser for Suffolk, said: “Our sincere thanks go to everyone who helped make this year’s car show another fantastic success, especially Bury Abbey Rotary Club members, the neighbouring Rotary Clubs and Culford School.

“Their generosity, together with the support of all the sponsors, volunteers and everyone who attended on the day, will make a genuine difference to our vital work.

“It was wonderful to see the community come together for such a memorable event and we are honoured to have been chosen as the main beneficiary once again.

“The incredible generosity shown over the last three years has raised an amazing amount, helping us continue to provide care and support for children, young people and families across East Anglia.”

Senior event organiser Phil Peters added: “It’s a great example of the power of Rotary, from Bury Abbey Rotary Club. we’re extremely proud of the partnership we have with EACH and Brave Futures and sums up what Rotary is all about, in addition to the fellowship of working together as a team to put on the event.”

The other main beneficiary this year was Brave Futures which provides a specialist support service for children and young people up to the age of 18 who have experienced sexual abuse.

Brave Futures has a dedicated hub in Bury St Edmunds supporting children and families throughout West Suffolk.

They provide a safe, welcoming space where children and young people can begin to make sense of the confusion they feel and acquire the skills and tools they need to manage the trauma they have experienced, rebuild their futures, and move forward from victim to survivor.

This year’s show was sponsored by Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds, Hazells, Krazy Horse, Rawlinson Bury St Edmunds, Classic Prestige Cars, Lacy Scott and Knight Auctioneers, Anglia Car Auctions, CARS Worldwide Transportation Services, STORIK Ltd, Abbey Security Services, Ernie’s Outdoor Living, Manchetts and Wheelcare.