2024-12-31-accounts - Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

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2024 Annual report

Preserving transport heritage for future generations

2024 Annual Report & Accounts

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity Registered Charity No.1155404

We are proud to present the Tenth Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity (NHVC).

Our aim has always been to preserve and celebrate our local transport heritage for the enjoyment and education of future generations. That shared enthusiasm continues to drive us forward as we move into 2025.

With the pressures of recent years bringing significant change for the Charity, we entered 2024 with the determination to put the difficulties behind us and move forward. We recognised that we were not alone; many heritage attractions faced similar challenges, with reduced income and lower visitor numbers following a difficult period for the sector. Volunteer numbers are still down.

Nevertheless, as we compile this report, we can reflect on what has ultimately been a positive and encouraging year for the Charity. It started badly in that we lost part of the workshop roof but that was the first hurdle we overcame. Although income remained lower than hoped we have raised funds beyond the level achieved in 2023. We have also gained new supporters, volunteers, and the community engagement has increased through fundraising initiatives.

Over the past year, we have worked tirelessly to bring vehicles back into service, refurbish our premises, and grow our following. In reflecting on how far we’ve come, it’s clear that all our achievements are the direct result of the dedication, time, and effort of our trustees and volunteers. They are truly exceptional - without them, the museum and the Charity simply would not exist.

As CEO, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to every individual who has contributed. Every effort, large or small, has played a vital part in what we have achieved together. The determination and loyalty of our team have made it possible to accomplish what many would consider miracles.

We hope this report conveys our progress, purpose, and direction, and we look forward to welcoming you - whether as a visitor or a volunteer - to our museum in the near future.

Simon Lowings (CEO)

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Introduction

The trustees present their Annual Report and Accounts statement for the period 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024.

History and Development

The roots of the Charity date back to September 1999, when it was founded under the name “The Notts and Derby Heritage Transport Group.” The organisation began modestly with just two buses, gradually expanding the collection as interest and support grew.

In 2007, the name was changed to Nottingham Heritage Vehicles to better reflect the core collection and its geographical focus. The word “Charity” was later added in 2010, signifying the growing community and educational purpose behind our work.

From September 1999 to June 2015, we were based at the former Midland Storage Depot at West Hallam in Derbyshire. During this period, the organisation continued to evolve, and in April 2010 we formally adopted a collection policy, which helped refine the structure of our holdings and laid the foundations for charitable registration.

This process culminated in January 2014, when we became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Since those early days as a not-for-profit group with charitable aims, our governance and structure have developed considerably, strengthening the Charity’s ability to operate transparently and effectively.

In pursuit of a permanent home, we committed to a 21-year lease on the former 1936 Art Deco Trent Motor Traction bus garage on Portland Road, Hucknall. This unique site now serves as our base, where we are developing a working heritage bus garage and transport museum that engages the local community and visitors from across the country.

To support restoration and preservation work, we also lease an offsite storage compound to accommodate vehicles awaiting attention as the collection grows. Some volunteers are based there to work on long-term projects, while others assist at the main depot.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Governing Documents

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity (NHVC) is a registered charity, incorporated on 20 January 2014 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The Charity is governed by its constitution, which defines its objectives, governance arrangements, and operating framework.

While many transport heritage organisations have historically operated as companies limited by guarantee, members at the time agreed that the CIO structure offered a more suitable and forward-looking model - one that aligned with our desired governance approach and long-term direction.

Any and all changes to the CIO’s governing document must be approved by the Charity Commission prior to implementation. This ensures a transparent and accountable framework within which NHVC operates. To date, no amendments have been made to the constitution.

All policy documents are reviewed as and when required to ensure they remain effective, appropriate, and compliant with current legislation and best practice.

Organisation and Management

The Charity is governed by a Board of Trustees (“the Board”). The Board meets regularly to conduct routine business and holds additional meetings when urgent matters arise. In addition, a WhatsApp communication platform is used to facilitate regular discussion and debate on Charity-related matters between formal meetings.

The day-to-day management of the Charity is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and through him to the Senior Management Team, comprising the CEO, Treasurer, and two Trustees. The Trustees who were in place at the beginning of the year remained in post at the year end, having offered themselves for re-election with the exception of one who resigned as unable to give the time commitment. A replacement joined immediately.

To support effective operation, the Charity has established sub-management groups within the volunteer body, each working under the direction of Trustees. These groups oversee the daily activities of the Charity and ensure that operations run smoothly across all areas.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

NHVC operates as a collective organisation, where members and volunteers cooperate in the restoration and maintenance of vehicles and artefacts, regardless of individual ownership. All vehicles and artefacts contribute to the Charity’s aims and objectives and are used to further its educational and preservation purposes.

Throughout the year, significant work has been undertaken on both the premises and the vehicle collection, carried out primarily by a small, dedicated team of volunteers.

Appointment and induction of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is made up of five members, one of whom is delegated the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from within the Board. Trustees are appointed for a term of three years, after which they may offer themselves for re-election for a further term.

When selecting individuals for appointment as Charity Trustees, the Board considers the skills, knowledge, and experience required for the effective administration and development of the CIO. To ensure an appropriate mix of expertise, a skills audit is conducted annually.

The Charity is continually seeking to recruit new members and trustees who bring enthusiasm and capability in areas such as public relations, community engagement, and educational outreach, supporting the Charity’s strategic and operational objectives.

All new Trustees receive a comprehensive induction, ensuring they are fully informed of their roles and responsibilities. Each is provided with a copy of the CIO’s governing document and access to all relevant organisational policies and materials.

It remains our intention to build a diverse and inclusive Board, drawing from all backgrounds and age groups, to ensure that the management structure reflects the community we serve and that our engagement with the public meets the needs of the broadest possible audience.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Risk Management

In December 2024, the Chief Executive, in collaboration with the Chairman, undertook a comprehensive review of the Charity’s risk management framework. This process followed a structured approach designed to identify and mitigate key risks across all areas of the Charity’s operations.

Key actions have included strengthening fundraising resilience through enhanced online activity and targeted advertising, broadening our audience reach, and developing collaborative relationships with other museums and heritage organisations nationally. The continued support of local businesses has also played an important role in helping to mitigate financial and operational risks.

To address potential risks associated with volunteer retention, policies have been developed to include a formal volunteer induction scheme and a comprehensive grievance procedure. These initiatives are intended to reduce the loss of key volunteers - and therefore, key skills - which are vital to the Charity’s sustainability.

In addition, the Charity has 12 supporting policy documents in place, covering areas such as safeguarding, data protection, conflicts of interest, and fire safety (including updates reflecting the 2022 Fire Safety Act). Together, these policies ensure that all Trustees, volunteers, and members of the public understand what we do, how we do it, what we expect from our volunteers, and what they can expect from us.

Charity Objectives and Aims

The objectives of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) are to advance the education of the public in transport heritage, particularly within the Nottingham conurbation, through the establishment and preservation of a representative collection of passenger service vehicles, and by such other means as the Trustees may determine.

NHVC operates as both an educational and heritage preservation charity, dedicated to conserving, interpreting, and promoting an understanding of the vital role that local transport heritage has played in shaping the development of our communities.In support of this aim, the Charity has recently expanded its digital portfolio, enabling us to engage with new audiences and share our educational content more widely, both locally and nationally.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Public Benefit - Identifiable benefits

The aims of Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity (NHVC) are reflected in the nature of its charitable objectives, and we provide clear and identifiable benefits to the public through all aspects of our work.

Throughout the management and strategic planning of the Charity, the Board of Trustees has maintained a thorough understanding of, and compliance with, the Charity Commission’s public benefit principles and guidance. The Trustees are confident that NHVC continues to deliver tangible benefits in several key areas, including education, heritage preservation, and community engagement.

Public benefit is inclusive and unrestricted - our activities are open to all and designed to engage the widest possible audience. The benefits we provide are directly linked to our charitable aims and objectives.

The Board of Trustees receives no private benefit or remuneration for its work, and the Charity ensures that no harm or detriment arises from any of its charitable activities.

Heritage, Vehicle and Artefact collections

Our team works tirelessly to research local transport heritage, preserve vehicles, and restore artefacts, while also collecting transport-related items for future displays. Through heritage vehicle outings and museum activities, we tell stories that extend beyond transport history, exploring the broader social, urban, and engineering history of Nottingham and the surrounding areas.

A key focus of our work, in line with our constitution, is the preservation and restoration of all vehicles in our collection. Once restored, these vehicles are displayed to the public wherever possible, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate the transport of past generations.

The museum has now launched a programme of regular open days and is concentrating on developing into a centre of excellence in road transport restoration for the East Midlands. The Hucknall site is continually evolving, with new displays and initiatives designed to enhance the visitor experience. Engagement through social media remains central to our success, and we have seen a significant rise in online interaction throughout the year.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

As part of our outreach, we aim to take vehicles from our collection nationwide, supporting events across the country. Displaying vehicles of historical significance to the Nottingham region raises awareness of our work and helps generate broader support.

During 2024, supporters have been kept informed via social media channels. With very low uptake on our membership newsletter, we have decided to put this on hold. Many of our supporters felt they got more from our socials than a written document. We presume this is one positive from the pandemic period, - more are now ‘online’ savy.

The Charity continues to expand its archive, adding ephemera, vehicle design plans, timetables, photographs, and other artefacts that document the evolution of Nottingham-standard bus design. Future acquisitions are carefully considered in line with our collection policy, ensuring the collection represents the diversity of local transport heritage. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the public in donating items of interest.

During 2024, a few items from our collection have been loaned to other charitable organisations and made accessible to the general public, further extending the educational and heritage value of our holdings.

Education, Engagement and Visitor Interaction

During the COVID-19 period, restrictions on social interaction, remote working, and social distancing naturally reduced opportunities for engagement. As schools and colleges have adapted to the “new normal,” demand for school visits and group activities remained low throughout 2022 and 2023. Engagement programmes started again, early 2024 and we actively encouraged schools and educational groups to contact us regarding the 2024–25 programme. Three visits were actioned during the year.

General access to the collection is completely free, with donations warmly welcomed. We believe it is important that visitors enjoy an informative and enjoyable experience, developing an understanding of our heritage and community role. Our working heritage depot, now open regularly, provides an excellent platform for further engagement, allowing visitors to see restoration and preservation work in action.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

The Charity’s website plays a central role in public engagement. It now includes dedicated sections for each vehicle, archive materials, and future events, offering free access to all. Educational institutions have acknowledged the value of these resources in supporting learning and research.

We plan to continually develop outreach projects in the coming years and welcome contact from anyone interested in collaborating with us.

Feedback from our supporters provides insight into the impact of our work:

“The museum is such a gem. I visited for the sixth time and again was blown away by the progress. You won’t find a more friendly and approachable bunch of people than these guys and gals. The cake was exceptional too.” - Jayne Marchant, Gloucester
“Welldone to the team. You made a little boys heart a happy one. Bus mad he is and they’re even growing on me. You should be really proud of what your managing to achieve and wow what a wonderful group of people - all with such enthusiasm for what youre doing. We will be back.” - Alexis, Manchester
“ Fascinated by the new display on the old South Notts bus company. I used to travel frequently on them when at University in Loughborough as lodged with family in Clifton. The museum is a credit to you all and one the people of Nottingham should be proud to have. Its a little bit too far for me to visit regularly now as I live in Calgary but I will hopefully see you all again. Watching your progress with interest online.” Dan, Calgary

In 2024, our website recorded 131.072 independent visitors, with 7,439 visitors engaging directly with the Charity. Public interaction is further enhanced through social media channels with over 7.000 followers on Facebook. We also use Twitter and Instagram, keeping supporters informed of events, restoration projects, and news as it happens.

Many of our volunteers are retired or elderly, contributing their time and skills while enjoying company, learning new abilities, and sharing memories. We actively promote interaction with local community groups, valuing the collection of stories and experiences that enrich our understanding of the development of local transport infrastructure.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Following this report we have a brief summary of the engagement we have enjoyed, the fundraising activities and the wonderful restoration and preservation work undertaken and progressing into next year.

At present, footfall to the museum is around 65% of our usual level pre pandemic, highlighting the ongoing recovery from pandemic-related impacts, cost of living crisis and general changes in peoples social interaction.

Income and support

The charitable activities of Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity are made possible through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of supporters, who contribute both time and financial donations. Gift Aid contributions assist our income stream, supported by the open days and free bus trips, along with special fundraising events both on and offsite. All of these have bolstered donations collected in the museum donation tins and online.

To encourage continued support, the Charity maintains ‘suggested donation’ signage on items offered for resale, allowing visitors to take home a memento of their visit while contributing to the Charity. Additionally, promotional items are produced free of charge for open days, with clear messaging that donations are welcome.

We continue to benefit from the donation of display items, materials, and funding from organisations such as Transport Nostalgia, which contributes a percentage of certain photograph and model sales, both online and in person. In 2024, these contributions included local transport imagery for display and archival use, as well as the purchase of essential equipment outside the Charity’s own finances - support for which we are extremely grateful. Transport Nostalgia have also operated the promotion of our fundraising events free of charge this year, including the Great days out visits, operated as fundraising events for supporters and friends.

While press engagement focused toward the enthusiast market and encouraging local stakeholders to engage with the Charity we have developed great support for our fundraising days out events. Looking ahead, we plan to highlight new vehicle restoration projects through trade publications and local media throughout 2025, further raising awareness of our work.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Volunteers

The Charity relies entirely on the dedication and commitment of volunteers, with no paid staff at any level. Our volunteers generously give their time, skills, and expertise to support a wide range of ongoing projects that are essential to the Charity’s success.

Teams of volunteers work across all areas of the organisation, including vehicle restoration and maintenance, archive and photo library management, building refurbishment, and fundraising and funding exploration. Volunteers also play a key role in developing and delivering reminiscence projects, engaging with local communities, and advancing the Charity’s overall aims. Their contributions enable the Charity to function as a dynamic and active hub of heritage, education, and community engagement.

The Charity actively welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities. We aim to continuously grow and diversify our volunteer base, recognising that a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and skills enriches the Charity and strengthens its ability to meet its objectives. Every volunteer’s contribution is valued, whether through hands-on restoration work, administrative support, research, or engaging with visitors and the wider community.

Through the collective efforts of our volunteers, NHVC is able to maintain its operations, deliver educational and heritage projects, and provide a meaningful and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. We remain committed to supporting our volunteers with guidance, training, and opportunities to develop new skills, ensuring that everyone who chooses to give their time is empowered to make a positive impact.

Reserves

At present, no reserves are held, as all available funds are directed, wherever fundraising allows, toward restoration projects - both for the building and for our vehicle collection. This approach ensures that donations and income directly support the Charity’s core charitable activities.

Looking ahead, it is hoped that the Charity will be in a position to develop a formal reserves policy. In the meantime, a small working capital balance is retained in the Charity’s bank account to cover day-to-day operational requirements and unexpected or emergency expenditures. This ensures that the Charity can continue to maintain and develop its charitable objectives without disruption, while remaining responsive to new opportunities and challenges.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Plans for the future

At the forefront of both our short-term and long-term agenda is the commitment to build upon the successes of previous years and continue developing Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity as a leading centre for transport heritage and education.

While reduced visitor footfall has limited fundraising opportunities in the past and, in turn, our ability to invest in projects, the Charity remains ambitious. To offset the reduced footfall the fundraising days out events have assisted greatly. We have exciting plans in place, including new displays and vehicle restoration projects, designed to enhance the overall visitor experience, particularly for families and local communities.

Our ongoing programme of open days will be further developed to appeal to a broader audience, with a particular focus on those living near the depot. All future initiatives will be carefully planned to ensure they are financially sustainable, aligned with the Charity’s objectives, and provide tangible public benefit.

Through these efforts, NHVC aims to continue preserving and celebrating local transport heritage, engaging visitors and volunteers alike, and strengthening its role as a community-focused educational resource for years to come.

Our responsibility in respect of the Trustees Annual Report & Financial statements

Charity law requires that Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and financial statement in-line with current regulations. In preparing this report the Trustees deem the report to be a fair and proper account of the activities of the Charity in this period and its financial standing. This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on the 7th October 2024 by digital means and signed on behalf of the Charity by our Chairman Alex Wright.

Statement on the inspection of our accounts

Owing to our accounts and the annual gross income falling above £25,000, the Board of Trustees decided to examine the accounts and then in-line with current legislation to invite an external independent scrutineers report. Accounts are produced on a receipts and payments format.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Trustees and Contact details Board Of Trustees:

Alex Wright Chairman Simon Ian James Lowings CEO & Marketing, Publicity & Events Thomas Hall Depot Co-ordinator Caroline Marie Lowings Treasurer & General Secretary Douglas Simpson Assistant Treasurer

Senior Management Team

This consists of the CEO, Chairman and Treasurer

Registered Office:

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity C/O 49 Valley View Berry Hill Park Mansfield Nottinghamshire NG18 4US

Principal Bankers:

HSBC 26 Clumber Street Nottingham NG1 3GA

Website address www.nottinghamheritagevehicles.co.uk Contact Number 07971 105491

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

2024 - The Year in focus

The year commenced with a considerable amount of publicity, albeit for unfortunate reasons. Just prior to the Christmas period, the Charity suffered the loss of the workshop roof, leaving stock, tooling, and several vehicles under restoration exposed to the elements. Concerns regarding site security, the risk of further storm damage, and significant water ingress made this a particularly challenging time for both trustees and volunteers.

Our first engagement of the year took place on New Year’s Day, with an early morning journey to Wrexham for the Bus and Coach Running Day. This event provided an opportunity to generate immediate funds to offset the urgent costs arising from the damage, while also raising awareness within the wider heritage transport community of the difficulties being faced.

On 4 January, local news teams reported on the incident, leading to a public appeal for support and assistance. The interviews conducted with trustees and volunteers highlighted the importance of the Charity’s work within the local community, reinforcing the determination of all involved to continue despite the setbacks.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

With the cooperation of the building’s owners and invaluable assistance from our supporters, extensive clean-up efforts were undertaken. A significant quantity of water-damaged materials - including books, engine filters, gasket papers and other stock items - was disposed of. The Charity was particularly grateful for a generous donation of £1,000 from Clair Owen of Clair’s Coaches, Alfreton, which greatly assisted with the initial recovery phase. This contribution enabled the covering of vehicles and storage racking, and commencement of the recovery efforts.

By the end of January and with substantial assistance from Trentbarton, an online appeal and much effort ourselves we had a watertight workshop once again.

After a period of drying out the electrics went back on and while an electrician was on site we were pleased to report no problems arose.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

With the workshop once again dry, work resumed at pace to return vehicles to the road ahead of the new event season. The loss of two months of volunteer time, the unavailability of materials, and the significant costs arising from the storm damage had undoubtedly taken their toll. Nevertheless, the team immediately set about essential maintenance and restoration tasks, including the installation of new suspension bases and front air bags on one of the Volvo saloons, together with a full service in readiness for the forthcoming Open Day.

In collaboration with the Hong Kong Bus Association, the event offered a new and engaging dimension, attracting a large number of visitors with an interest not only in our own collection but also in the overseas vehicles on display. The partnership proved highly successful in drawing a wider audience and raising further awareness of the Charity’s work.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Engagement throughout the year continued to grow, with attendance at a number of significant heritage transport events. Among these was the Statfold Country Park and Miniature Railways Statbus event, where the Charity participated both with a display stand and the South Staffs Coach Hire MCW Metrobus - a vehicle under our custodianship on a loan basis for several months. This dual involvement offered valuable visibility within the heritage community and helped raise vital funds. The proceeds from the event directly supported the costs of preparing and presenting vehicles for their annual roadworthiness tests. We were delighted to achieve clean passes once again across several Charity-owned and privately owned vehicles in our care, ensuring they were ready for the forthcoming programme of activities and engagements.

Further promotional opportunities arose through collaboration with South Staffs Coach Hire during the Cotswold Road Run. Participation using their newly acquired double-decker provided a striking presence, proudly displaying the NHVC name on the destination screen - something that drew considerable attention and helped to further raise the Charity’s profile among heritage enthusiasts and the general public alike.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

A series of Open Days and engagement events followed, showcasing ongoing workshop activity and restoration work. In several cases, local operators such as Trentbarton kindly supported our efforts by loaning vehicles for display, further strengthening the relationship between the Charity and the wider transport industry. These months proved particularly busy, combining museum-based commitments with a calendar of outreach events designed not only to raise funds but also to enhance public involvement in our activities.

With increased awareness being created in our Charity activity we enhanced the depot displays once again and e n s u r e d p r o m o t i o n o f upcoming events was as widespread as possible.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Our fundraising strategy this year placed special emphasis on community participation and wellbeing. We organised trips and events aimed at encouraging our supporters and friends to come together, enjoy shared experiences, and reduce social isolation. These outings were warmly received and proved highly successful, with all proceeds - after the very favourable coach hire rates provided - reinvested directly into the Charity to support restoration and educational objectives. Many participants have since gone on to volunteer at the museum, demonstrating the lasting value of such engagement in fostering a growing community of active supporters.

During the year, attention also turned to the replica 1900s bus held under the Charity’s custodianship. It became evident that extensive restoration work was required, and following discussion with the vehicle’s owner - who kindly agreed to fund the works - the process commenced. Volunteers devoted many hours to carefully stripping back worn timbers and framework in preparation for full restoration. This particular vehicle holds a special place in the Charity’s history, having featured in school visits, film work, veterans’ parades, and as part of our free heritage rides both on and off site. Although the restoration may take up to two years to complete, the project is now well underway and represents a significant commitment to the preservation of our living transport heritage.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Inevitably, with a fleet of active vehicles, unplanned repairs and preventative maintenance are a continual requirement. Balancing this essential work with long-term restoration projects remains a challenge, yet the dedication of our volunteer team ensures that progress continues steadily, sustaining the Charity’s mission to preserve, restore, and share our transport heritage for the benefit of the public.

The Derbyshire Dales Bus and Train Festival proved to be one of the highlights of the year, held at the Peak Rail site in Rowsley. The event was an outstanding success, attracting strong attendance and excellent feedback from visitors and participants alike. The Charity extends its sincere thanks to both Peak Rail and

DFS Darley Dale for the use of their car park to facilitate the park-and-ride shuttle service. We muse express grateful acknowledgement to the Chatsworth Estate for permitting the operation of vehicles to and from Chatsworth House, and of course to all supporters, vehicle owners and volunteers whose collective contribution made the event such a success.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

Throughout the year, the Charity has continued to make steady progress - advancing restoration projects, attending heritage and community events, and delivering off-site fundraising outings. These activities have not only generated much-needed income but also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among members, volunteers, and supporters as the organisation continues to develop.

Several members have added vehicles to their own private collections, then generously upon agreement offered them to the Charity, for use and display purposes.

Restoration work has continued across a number of vehicles, both Charity owned and those under custodianship.

Routine running repairs remain a constant requirement, with smaller but significant challenges arising throughout the year. One such example involved the Scania Omnidekka, where corrosion in the bonnet hinge frame necessitated extensive preparatory work, including the fabrication of new framing and hinges, followed by the cutting out and re-fibreglassing of the rear end. This demanding task remains ongoing into 2025.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

We are still undertaking work on what looks like an attempt to mimic Volkswagon’s multicoloured Polo, from years ago, with our own multi-coloured Scania. Utilising good second hand panels from breakers yards, along with spares stock has meant costs on restoration are heavily reduced for this project.

Substantial progress has also been made on the articulated “bendybus” project, with the removal of flooring around the turntable area to gain access to the pivot mechanism and associated gearing. This intricate assembly required careful cleaning and re-greasing in preparation for further work ahead of returning the vehicle to the road in the coming years.

The continued success of our fundraising and open-day events has provided essential financial support to sustain these projects. As the year concluded, we celebrated our achievements with festive open days and a special gathering of members and volunteers - an opportunity to reflect on what has been accomplished and to acknowledge the dedication that underpins every aspect of the Charity’s work.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity

2024 Annual report

While there remains much to do, the Charity enters the coming year with optimism and determination. With the continued support of our members, volunteers, and the wider public, we are confident of meeting our aims and objectives, preserving historic vehicles, and enhancing the visitor experience for all who share our passion for transport heritage.

The past year has demonstrated the Charity’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to preserving and celebrating transport heritage despite ongoing challenges. Through teamwork, the generosity of our supporters, and the tireless dedication of our volunteers, we have not only overcome significant setbacks but also strengthened our position within the heritage sector. Each event, restoration project and engagement activity has contributed to our long-term vision - ensuring that historic vehicles continue to be restored, operated and enjoyed by future generations.

As we look ahead, our focus remains firmly on growth, sustainability, and enhancing the visitor experience. With new displays, educational initiatives and restoration projects already underway, the Charity is well placed to build upon the achievements made this year and continue delivering meaningful benefits to the community and the wider preservation movement.