Classic Car Show 2009 - NEC Birmingham

Last week we went to the Classic Car Show 2009 held at the NEC in Birmingham which turned out to be a grand success for us. The show which went on over the 13th, 14th and 15th November, saw record number of people visiting our stand, not to mention that we had a fantastic time interacting with them.
The two highlights of our stand were the 1923 Model T Ford built at Trafford Park in Manchester and a rescued 1923 Omega motorcycle which is about to undergo a restoration make over. And of course we created the atmosphere with facilitators dressed up in period costume. We even received an offer from two motorcycle enthusiasts to help restore the frame and fuel tank with full paintwork and livery of the Omega motorcycle. We were helped on the stand by members of our Friends oranisation who are also helping us the Omega restoration project. So if you wish to help us recreate living history, you can join our Friends organisation. To join the Friends or find out more visit the Friends page on our website or call 024 7623 4270.

We had a complimentary email, feeding back on the show by Gordon Lund, a visitor and member of Club Lotus:
“It has been some time since I last visited the Museum but I was certainly impressed by what I saw [at the show]. My friend who was with me used to live in Coventry and his wife has memories of the blitz when she was a girl. I remember seeing some exhibits from the war in the museum. It was very effective.”

Following on from this success,we are now raring to go with a number of exciting projects in the pipeline for 2010, including the opening of our brand new gallery ‘Ghost Town? What happened to the Coventry Car Industry?’ that will definitely make it a worthwhile visit to the Museum for one and all. More coming up on that ... keep watching...

Retiring policeman met 'old friend' at the Museum

A Coventry policeman, Charles Thorneycroft, who retired after 40 years of service on the Warwickshire police force, met his 'old friend', the Triumph PI squad car at the Museum. Charles and his wife, Alma came in with Telegraph reporter, Duncan Gibbons and photographer Mark Radford for a photo op with the car he drove for most of his service. Charles, aged 64, said: "It’s just like meeting an old friend from the past!"

This is one of the things our Museum does... It brings on a strong sense of nostalgia. You never know if you might just come across a vehicle or an experience or a just a little something that you or your father or grandfather knows! There is something at the Museum for everybody!

Click here to read the full story on Charles Thorneycroft.

Xmas Factor Returns

You know what they say... If you've got it, flaunt it! Well, here's an excellent opportunity for you all to show off your musical talents as our popular singing competition Xmas factor is back for a third time! So if you think you've got it in you come along and strut your stuff at the heats which be held this Saturday 21st November and see if you can make through to the Grand Final on 5th December.

The competition is open to all, young or old, amateur or professional. All you need to do is perform a Christmas song and spread some Christmas cheer. You can perform at the heats unaccompanied, or accompanied by a CD. If you wish to sing to a music track, don’t forget to bring along your CD. There will be four categories of performances: groups, under 10s, 10 – 15 years old and 16 years and above. You will be judged for your stage presence, professionalism and ability. So get practising as the heats are just around the corner!

The Grand Final will take place on Saturday 5th December 2pm – 5pm. The show will be hosted by Touch FM’s Brody Swain and there will be grand performances by ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ stars Good Evans while mum Estelle will be on our panel of judges and also by Coventry’s own Phoenix Dance Academy performers. With grand prizes for winners and loads of fun for everybody the event promises to bring a fun-packed evening for one and all!

No pre-registration is required for entering the heats. For free tickets to the Grand Final email us at enquiries@transport-museum.com or call 024 7623 4270

Winner of Godiva Family Friendly Award

Hey! We won the 'Best Family Friendly Venture' at the Godiva Awards 2009 held at Warwick Arts Centre on Thursday 22nd October! The prestigious awards are held annually to applaud and celebrate excellence in Coventry and Warwickshire and are a leading event in the region recognising businesses with creativity, flair, ingenuity and commitment.

The Museum is dedicated to welcoming families and carers with children of all ages and has recently collaborated with nine other museums across Coventry and Warwickshire to plan and deliver programmes and activities specifically targeted at families with children under-five years. As part of this the Museum launched a range of family-friendly activities this summer which included a soft play area, story corner, a full size Peugeot which children can climb all over for an interactive experience, and a dedicated play area with toys for 0-3 year olds, all of which were well-received by visiting families. It has also recently completed a number of improvements to facilities, including a dedicated buggy parking area, better Mother and Baby rooms and picnic areas for families, making it a truly parent friendly venue.

The Museum is one of the most visited family attractions in the Midlands and offers something to every member of the family from children to grandparents with all activities and galleries designed to encourage quality family time together. It has a vibrant programme of activities combining education and entertainment throughout the year and organises popular activity programmes during every school holidays which welcome young and the old alike. This commitment to excellence as a family venue in all aspects of the Museum’s work was exalted at the Godiva Awards night.