This UK-based classic car group offers a place to enjoy a friendly diverse mix of people and cars in a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. Darren Mitcham explains more.
The Gay Classic Car Group (GCCG) started informally in 1988 when a few friends met up at a pub in London. After a few more ad hoc meetings our first event was a 12-car London to Brighton run. In 1988 the classic car and gay worlds were in very different places. Since those early days and gentle growth in the 1990s, the GCCG has grown to over 1,000 members.
Even though the GCCG is primarily a UK national club, we have very strong international links with our sister clubs in France, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Switzerland, the USA, and Australia.
At least twice a year we meet up with at least 100 people from mainly the European clubs for weekend events. The GGCG windscreen sticker can be seen on many cars at classic car shows, which shows how increasingly relaxed attitudes are to our existence. Indeed many of the classic car press often contact us to find rare or unusual cars to review as they know someone in the club will own one and our members tend to love to share their passion.
Members’ cars are increasingly diverse, but that adds to the enjoyment of a coming on GCCG events. For example, you may see British favourites such as Morris Minors or Austin Metros through to eastern European forgotten brands such as Ladas or Trabants, or rare exotica from Rolls Royce or Daimlers. And actually, you don’t even need to own a classic car to join and come on events.
In recent years, we have listed over 40 GCCG events per year, including many through the usually quiet winter months. Typically, we have driving events that include visits to places of interest including National Trust properties, car museums, art galleries and breweries. Recently, in London, we had our first midnight drive, a visit to a drive-in cinema. Further afield we have held two camping weekends. Our biggest ever event was for 250 members to celebrate our 25th anniversary. In addition to official GCCG events, we attend many local and national car shows and social media ensures that it is easy for to you meet up with other GCCG members at these shows. Above all our events aim to be fun, relaxed and social.
Membership costs up to £20 per year, which includes access to the programme of events on the GCCG website, a quarterly magazine, Big End, and a monthly email bulletin, All Torque. Regular London meetings include the classic car night at the Ace Café on the second Tuesday of every month from 7pm, and the third Wednesday of the month meeting from 7pm at the New Bloomsbury Set on 76 Marchmont Street. For further information, contact the GCCG by email via [email protected] or visit the website (gccg.org.uk).
The GCCG will be exhibiting at the NEC Classic Restoration Show from Friday (31 Mar) until Sunday (2 Apr) with six cars on the stand being restored over the weekend. It is a public event where anyone can come along and meet us.
Andrew Christian European model search
This summer, global underwear super brand Andrew Christian is searching for European models. The team arrives in London for Pride on Saturday 8 July where they will be meeting hopefuls.
If you think you have what it takes to be a sizzling underwear model and would like to be considered, all you need to do is submit a video. Include your name, height, weight, age, where you live, the language(s) you speak fluently, what you do for work and which Andrew Christian party you plan to attend, and upload it via aceuro2017.hscampaigns.com.
The video contest closes at 10.45am Pacific Daylight Time on Sunday 30 April – good luck!
The Salisbury Queer Arts Weekender
The first ever Salisbury Queer Arts Weekender takes place next weekend. It will celebrate diversity, bringing together groups and individuals to enjoy a range of LGBTQIA talent – including theatre, music, comedy, cabaret and drag artists – brought to you from across the UK.
Highlights on Friday (7 Apr) include solo theatre show The Conscious Uncoupling by Rosie Wilby, and Ceri Dupree’s One Man, 21-Woman show. Saturday (8 Apr) sees a singing workshop with members of London Gay Men’s Chorus from 5pm, plus comedy and cabaret from chanteuse Miss Hope Springs at 7pm. For the full line up, visit salisburyartscentre.co.uk.
Singing for Fun Workshops
Opening Doors London will host a series of singing workshops for over 50s LGBT people throughout May and June. Sessions will take place at the Mary Ward Centre in Bloomsbury and no experience is necessary
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