Category Archives: Josh’s NWCC Blog

Josh Blog

This is Taxing…

So clearly the “weekly” blog hasnt gone well so far, ive had a few life issues in the last couple of months that needed to be addressed. For that, i apologise, however we have now returned, and what a week to return on!

This week, the government have announced they are suggesting a “Pay-by-mile” road fund license. The way this works is rather than a fixed yearly fee, it would be based on the amount driven by the vehicle, in which would be charged at a very small amount for each mile. This has been suggested before, to much uproar by the british public. And rightly so. Were already paying fuel duty, electric bills (for the batteries we keep trickle charged) and actual road tax for the Sub-40 year old motor vehicles we lovingly keep on the road.

So my thoughts on this?

I’m in 2 camps. For the Rover, 100% Absolutely! Ive done 5000 in the last 3 years, and at £345 per year tax, i feel it would be worth it. Its also a good idea to tax these ultra heavy EV’s (The Tesla’s of the world), given the additional impact on the tarmac.

On the other hand, the Volvo does too many miles, the better halfs BMW economy hatchback at £30 per year is going to become more expensive, and as for the mother’s Diesel Hybrid at the bank breaking amount of £0 per year, any cost would be detrimental! 

Id just suck the cost of the Vitesse up for the next 12 years! Having said this, the new proposal dosen’t exempt classic cars, so as a club, we will all be in the same boat at that point if it goes ahead!

As always, id love to hear your thoughts on this! You can comment below.

On a somewhat brighter note, im writing this on my directors chair at the Warrington Disability Awareness Day. Its the Rover’s first outing since being hit, with the repair being finished on Friday. Had to stop off at the local hand car wash on the way with 20 minutes to spare, getting rid of the last 2 months build up of dust and cobwebs. Weather report is bleak at best, however best waterproofing solution today goes to Mr Robert Chaloner, with his double umbrella tactic (pic below). We also assisted Colin and Margaret with their newly acquired tent, which went up much easier the 2nd time!

Josh’s First Blog Post

Josh’s Blog – Week 1 – Introductions

Hi, I’m Josh. Blog Started. The hardest part of writing is the opening, I’m glad that’s sorted!
So, what is this about you may ask?

Last week, our website maestro Phil approached me
about my interest in helping, despite me having absolutely no clue on how a website works.
One of the things we discussed was having some regular content about things going on in
and around the classic car world, and I agreed to take a stab at it. This will be by far the
longest of the blogs, don’t worry!
My introduction. For those who don’t know, I’ve been a member of the NWCC for the past 2
and a half years, signing up after Bob Holder came running down the car park at Irlam train
station shouting “Bring it up here, no one will see it down there!” followed by me promptly
crashing my 1996 Flame Red Rover 800 Vitesse into the brilliant white fencing… from then
on it was settled, I had to sign up if only for the embarrassment of my attempt to make the
Vitesse look like a knock-off from a certain 70’s detective show staring David Soul. By day, I
work in Finance paying invoices, by weekend I’m at some sort of car gathering in either the
Rover or my 1998 Volvo S70 T5. 2 cars I wanted ever since I grew up travelling around in
the back of them as a child.

My Dad, Dave, who passed in February was also a member,
and attended most of the shows with me. My new show assistant is by better half, Beth, who
I’ve been “courting” for the last 8 and a half years.
Enough of me – the cars, the shows, the weather; this is what we’re all here for!
Last weekend brought an absolute cracker of a weekend with weather, and whilst I was
unable to make the Saturday at the spectacular Anderton Boat Lift, Sunday more than made
up for it. The sun made an appearance, cars (and John Cleaver’s Honda Goldwing
motorcycle) were gleaming, and the banter was rife – this is what a classic vehicle show is
all about! We were joined by many a colleague from the Phoenix and St Helens clubs, and it
was great for me to see some cars I haven’t seen before – immediately taking my eye was a
blue Vauxhall Monaro tucked away in the corner. Being completely biased, there was a
stunning Volvo PV544 making an appearance, and I had a chat with the owner – welcome to
the club!
This weekend I’m glad the St Helens Bus Museum show is inside, the weather forecast for
Sunday isn’t looking brilliant. I always enjoy this one, Wetherspoons Breakfast and a look
round my “Winter Hobby” of Model Railways at the back of the building. Yes, I would love the
ex-Rover Showroom sign in the garage scene; no, it won’t fit in the boot, I’ve measured.

Bank Holiday Monday brings a myriad of shows across the northwest, my choice is the
Rainhill Gala – a first for me this year. Looking onto the following weekend, I’ve booked the
obligatory “Car Wash for Tatton” Friday off work and will be there for both days in the T5, as
unfortunately the Vitesse has taken a small sideswipe whilst parked. Booked in for bodywork
on the 24 th of June, so will be back for the Liverpool show.
I’m conscious that whilst I was advised of keeping to the subject of cars, I know some of our
members enjoy the game of football – on Saturday, 2 Manchester-based teams play each
other no where near Manchester, and last weekend saw a team from Oxford promoted to the
Championship for finishing 5 th . I one day vow to understand this, and learn the offside rule,
but for now ill stick with Trains, Planes and Automobiles (not the film…)
So, my pledge to you – I will attempt to write a regular blog, of what has happened in the
club and car world this week, a history point, throw in a bit of sport here and there, and try to
keep everyone entertained – no pressure then! If anyone has any suggestions on topics you
want me to write my thoughts on, feel free to drop them into conversation. Wherever you end
this weekend, I wish you the best of weather and best of health and thank you for keeping
our passion of cars alive!
End of first blog – that wasn’t so hard Josh!