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Category: Organisations
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The National Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire has been awarded £492,880 from Arts Council England’s Museum Estates and Development Fund to preserve and enhance one of its most significant buildings, the Great Exhibition Hall.
This major investment will support a programme of essential refurbishment works focused on three key areas: the roof, windows, and lighting. The roof works will prevent leaks and protect the building’s structure, while improvements to the original cast iron window frames will strengthen their structural integrity and reduce harmful UV light that can damage the paintwork of historic tramcars. In addition, a new extended lighting track will be installed to significantly enhance the display and visibility of the trams.
The Great Exhibition Hall is the largest single building on site and, now 35 years old, plays a critical role in the museum’s operations. It houses 25 tramcars and historic vehicles, forming a core part of the museum’s nationally significant collection, including some of its oldest exhibits dating back to 1873.
Roger Shelley, Funding Manager at the National Tramway Museum, said:
“The Great Exhibition Hall is central to our visitor experience, and this investment recognises the importance of safeguarding what we already have – a collection of historic trams designated for their national significance.
“As well as carrying out vital repairs to the roof and windows, these improvements will benefit all visitors by enhancing lighting and creating a more engaging and visually appealing exhibition space. We’re incredibly grateful to Arts Council England for their confidence in our work and for their support in helping secure the future of this key building.”
The National Tramway Museum, formerly known as Crich Tramway Village, has been welcoming visitors for over 60 years and is home to more than 80 historic trams, with around 20 operating regularly.
Works on the Great Exhibition Hall will be carefully planned to minimise disruption, with the majority taking place during the winter closure period. The project is currently scheduled for completion by the end of March 2027.
Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said:
“Museums can inspire us, provide connection, and help us to make sense of the world around us.”
The Museum Estates and Development Fund aims to ensure that important cultural buildings like the Great Exhibition Hall are protected, allowing their collections to be enjoyed by future generations.
About the National Tramway Museum
The National Tramway Museum, based in Crich, Derbyshire, is an accredited museum dedicated to the preservation and celebration of tramway history. With a vast collection of heritage trams, a recreated period street, and a stunning rural setting, the museum offers an immersive experience that connects visitors with the story of public transport in Britain.
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Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is calling for renewed focus and shared responsibility among all road users, after newly released government figures revealed an 8%1 rise in motorcycle fatalities on Britain’s roads in 2024.
While it is encouraging to note small decreases in car occupant and cyclist deaths, these gains are overshadowed by the increase in lives lost among motorcyclists. GEM warns that current efforts in road safety are not sufficient and that the comprehensive national strategy, long promised by government, is now urgently required.
Motorcyclists remain among the most at-risk groups on the road, facing disproportionately high risks compared with other modes of transport. The rise in deaths highlights the pressing need for better awareness among car drivers, improved training both for riders and motorists, and robust action to help everyone make better decisions on journeys.
James Luckhurst, GEM’s head of road safety, said: “This increase in motorcycle fatalities should serve as a wake-up call, while the 1% reduction in overall road casualties is still not good enough. This is why we are looking to the national government to step up, show strong leadership and share its long-awaited strategy… without delay.
“We also need commitment from individuals. Reducing road casualties is everyone’s responsibility; we all have the opportunity to play our part, whether as drivers, cyclists, pedestrians or passengers. By driving at safe speeds, avoiding distractions, wearing seatbelts and showing courtesy to other road users, we are contributing to safer roads and helping to protect the lives of those around us.”
GEM urges everyone look out for each other, reduce risks where possible and to use the roads with care, courtesy and concentration – the same principles identified when the organisation was founded in 1932.
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, is revealing next year’s Industry Leader Challenge (ILC), which will see participants tackle the most chilling challenge yet: The Glacier in Iceland from 18th to 27th March 2026.
Taking place in the icy wilderness of Iceland’s Langjökull ice cap, this extreme expedition will see 24 of the automotive industry's boldest leaders ski-trekking through sub-zero temperatures, dramatic terrain, and battling isolation in the name of challenge and charity. Up to 12 teams of two will need to raise a minimum of £25,000 per team for Ben.
The Glacier continues ILC’s tradition of taking a group of senior leaders far beyond their comfort zones. The challenge lasts 10 days in total and challengers will spend eight of these on the ice cap, journeying together through one of the most remote environments on Earth. They will face:
- Up to nine hours of ski-trekking each day
- Ski-trekking to 1,450m above sea level
- Temperatures as low as -25°C overnight
- Zero contact with the outside world
- Seven nights of camping in the freezing wilderness.
Participants will wake up early each day to melt snow for water, haul gear across snowfields, face biting winds and navigate vast, shifting glaciers.
So far, teams from LKQ Euro Car Parts and Hella have signed up to take part and this will be the third ILC that Spencer Grinham, Sales Director at Hella, has taken on.
Matt Wigginton, Director of Growth & Development, said: "This may just be our most epic (and coolest) challenge yet! As with all ILC events, the main focus is on raising vital funds to support automotive industry people who are facing challenges that no-one should ever have to tackle alone.
“If you’re a leader in the automotive industry and you’ve ever been curious about what lies beyond your limits, this is your chance. The Glacier will be a challenge of endurance and personal growth, while raising money to support members of our automotive family who are struggling or in crisis. Now more than ever, automotive people need Ben – and we need you and your support. If you’re up for this once-in-a-lifetime challenge, then get in touch with me today!”
Register interest today
There are limited spaces available so, for more information about the event, or to register your interest, please contact Matt Wigginton: [email protected].
To date, the ILC has raised over £1.02million, and the impact continues to grow with every new expedition. The ILC is an epic personal challenge taken on each year by an automotive industry leader (or leaders) to fundraise for Ben. Previous ILC adventures have included swimming across the English Channel, skydiving, cycling down the Thames, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and trekking the Sahara Desert. The ILC requires extraordinary personal endeavour that tests the challenger(s) either mentally or physically - or both.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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Last bike ridden by Hairy Biker Dave Myers to be auctioned for charity
- The BSA Goldstar ridden by Dave Myers in the final series of The Hairy Bikers is being auctioned for charity
- It will go under the hammer at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull on Wednesday 26th March
- Proceeds from its sale will go to CancerCare North Lancashire & South Cumbria and the NSPCC Childline charities
The last motorcycle ridden by much-loved Dave Myers, one half of the incredibly popular TV chef duo The Hairy Bikers, is being auctioned for two worthy causes – CancerCare North Lancashire & South Cumbria and the NPSCC Childline.
The BSA Goldstar motorcycle, which famously featured in the BBC’s “The Hairy Bikers Go West”, the last ever series of The Hairy Bikers, will go under the hammer with H&H Classics at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull on Wednesday 26th March.
Dave fought a long battle against cancer but sadly died in February last year. The auction of his beloved BSA Goldstar will be a fitting tribute to his effervescent personality, together with his immense influence and passion for motorcycling. 
Ahead of the auction, the bike is in a special static display at the National Motorcycle Museum and features life-size cut-outs of both Dave and Si King, celebrating their enduring friendship, plus Dave’s leathers, helmet and boots.
Speaking of her wish to support charitable causes through Dave’s legacy, his widow, Liliana Myers, said: “The auction of Dave’s BSA Goldstar is a fantastic way to support two charities who do incredible work.
“We hope to raise as much as possible, so would encourage interested bidders to dig deep into their pockets for the chance to own a truly special motorbike.”
National Motorcycle Museum director, James Hewing, said: “The auction of his bike represents a unique opportunity for someone to own a piece of motorcycling history while celebrating Dave’s enduring legacy.
“We hope this display will resonate with fans and visitors, reminding them of the joy and inspiration Dave brought to so many.”
The Hairy Bikers series ran for two decades, turning Dave Myers and Si King into national treasures. The huge appeal of their warm and jovial personalities, coupled with their love for motorcycling and foodie expertise, saw millions watch them on TV, keen to see them on their travels.
Colette McKay, managing director at H&H Classics, which is conducting the auction, said: “H&H Classic is honoured to be auctioning such a significant motorcycle. Dave’s immense popularity and passion for motorbikes and cooking is legendary, so we’re confident we’ll raise as much as possible for two very worthy causes.”
Enthusiasts, fans or collectors wishing view the motorcycle can do so by visiting the National Motorcycle Museum, in Solihull. Meanwhile those wishing to bid on Dave Myers’ cherished BSA Goldstar can do so in person, via telephone or by bidding online at the sale on Wednesday 26th March, or by leaving a commission bid with the auctioneers ahead of the sale.
All of the classic motorcycles and vintage scooters appearing in the sale can be viewed at the museum from 1pm on Tuesday 25th March or on the sale day itself. For more information on any of the lots, visit www.handh.co.uk.
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About the National Motorcycle Museum
The National Motorcycle Museum houses the largest collection of British motorcycles in the world, with over 1,000 machines from 170 different manufacturers spanning three centuries. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the UK’s rich motorcycling heritage.
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Royal Automobile Club’s Simms Medal awarded to Maeving for its innovative electric motorbikes designed and built in Britain
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Pall Mall, London, Tuesday 29 October 2024: today an all-new electric motorcycle conceived and created in Britain received a prestigious award for ‘an outstanding contribution to motoring innovation’ by the Royal Automobile Club, in a special ceremony.
The Simms Medal, named after the Club’s founder, was presented to Seb Inglis-Jones, who co-founded Maeving in 2018 with Will Stirrup to open a new era for the British motorcycle industry.
In the year the two friends founded their business, just 297 electric motorbikes were sold in the UK, while over 20m of them found buyers in China. However, the partners’ plan to import and sell Chinese-made models for the British market was soon parked when they decided the quality wasn’t good enough, and that removable batteries were key for ease of use in town and beyond.
In 2023 Maeving launched its first models, the RM1 and RM1S and the initial batch sold out within hours. It immediately became the best-seller in its sector. Following the tradition of legendary motorcycle names including Triumph, Norton and BSA, Maeving opened its factory in the West Midlands, in Coventry, and in doing so became Britain’s first electric motorcycle manufacturer.
Inglis-Jones and Stirrup met and bonded at Durham University and decided that one day they would open a business together. But the idea for an electric motorbike only came when Inglis-Jones bought one for his daily commute.
“We questioned why electric motorbikes lagged in sales and identified the single most important factor: removable batteries,” said Inglis-Jones. “So our innovation addresses the primary barrier to electric adoption – insufficient charging infrastructure – by allowing riders to power up from any standard socket.
“This approach contrasted with what major Western manufacturers were doing: designing heavy, high-powered models that served as alternatives to popular internal combustion-engined motorcycles, but often struggled with reliance on inadequate charging infrastructure.”
A deep and shared respect for the planet was another reason why the two gave up their jobs in the corporate world to found Maeving, and since then they have recruited what Inglis-Jones calls “one of the most talent-dense engineering teams in the world, with over 200 years of combined industry experience”, to help them. The team includes Graeme Gilbert, former Head of Product at Triumph.
“This idea stemmed from the notable discrepancy in electric two-wheeler sales between the East and West,” Will Stirrup added. “The level of experience and expertise in the Midlands is unparalleled. Harnessing this has made Maeving’s motorcycles the embodiment of craftsmanship and innovation.
“The whole Maeving team is thrilled that the Royal Automobile Club recognises our vision with the Simms Medal.”
Maeving joins a rollcall of British talent to have received the Simms Medal, which is presented only in years when the judges feel there is a worthy winner. This has included McMurtry Automotive, Williams Advanced Engineering, Riversimple and the Ariel Motor Company, as well as individuals such as Richard Parry-Jones CBE and Dr Rob Lewis OBE. A full list of previous winners is given below.
Ben Cussons, Chairman of the judges on the Royal Automobile Club Technical Committee (which awards the Simms Medal alongside the Dewar Trophy) said:
“Maeving’s achievement in designing and building an attractive and innovative electric motorcycle in the UK is a project that Frederick Simms would have been proud of. The business exudes the passion of its founders but has the financial backing and commercial nous that will help it achieve its ambitious aims.”
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