More than 40 classic cars, a glorious day of sunshine and a shared passion for motoring and heritage combined to make the inaugural God’s Own Country Classic Car Rally a roaring success on Saturday, October 17.
Bringing together classic car enthusiasts from across the county, the event was a great fundraising challenge in support of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust.
With the sun shining throughout the day, drivers set off from three spectacular starting locations – Dean Clough, Everingham Hall and Mount St John – the challenge was to visit and photograph as many churches, places of worship and historic landmarks as possible before reaching the finish line at Bowcliffe Hall, near Bramham. Competitors had a maximum of three hours and 100 miles to complete their chosen route, making for an exciting combination of navigation, local knowledge and photographic skills.
And there was plenty of friendly competition. The winning team managed to visit an incredible 93 locations during their journey, an impressive achievement given the time and distance restrictions!
There was also plenty of style on display, with participants encouraged to dress in keeping with the era of their classic car. From period-inspired outfits to beautifully maintained vehicles, the colourful costumes and magnificent motors added to the occasion, creating a wonderful spectacle at both the starting points and the finish.
After a busy few hours exploring Yorkshire’s roads and discovering its rich architectural and religious heritage, competitors converged on Bowcliffe Hall for a well-earned barbecue and prize-giving ceremony. The gathering provided an opportunity to share stories from the road, compare photographic highlights and celebrate the day’s achievements.
Most importantly, the rally raised valuable funds for the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust helping to support their important work.
