Following the deaths of Jim and Joy Barry, founders of the nationally acclaimed Stilton Cheese Classic Vehicle Run, it has been agreed with participating car clubs that ownership and organisation of the Run will be taken over by the Uppingham First Community Partnership with effect from April 2020. In recent years the partnership has hosted the start of the very popular annual event in Uppingham town centre.
Commenting on the change, Uppingham First Company Secretary Ron Simpson BEM said, “The Partnership is honoured to be invited by interim organiser Paul Roblett of the Morgan Car Club to organise all future Stilton Cheese Run events. This commemorative run is now a regular part of the Rutland and Uppingham event diary and provides a great opportunity to view a wide range of classic and historic vehicles in the heritage setting of a leading UK small market town high street”.
The partnership reports that the change of administrator will provide a timely opportunity to modernise some aspects of the run while preserving its charitable ethos. Work will begin immediately to establish a new website and vehicle management procedures in consultation with the Run’s leading partners. The start line for 2020 will be broadcast live on the Uppingham Webcam via the internet with many drivers able to be interviewed about their vehicle. A new park and ride facility supported by the Uppingham Hopper will enable an increase in the number of visitors able to visit the town and view the view the vehicle displays. A further innovation for 2020 will be an electric vehicle class of entrant.
While the new website is being prepared, further details on the 2020 Stilton Cheese Vehicle Run can be obtained from Ron at mjs@clara.co.uk