Big-hearted members of a private members club based in Henley-on-Thames have helped raise thousands of pounds for local charities through their August Bank Holiday classic car display and many other events over the years.
Organised each year by the Classic Motoring Section at Phyllis Court, around 50 to 60 classic motors are displayed at the club, located on the banks of the River Thames, attracting hundreds of members, friends and family for an enjoyable day out.
The event raises vital funds for charity through a hotly-contested competition to select the favourite car on display. And this year, a record-breaking £750 donation was made to Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire in special memory of the former Classic Motoring Section Secretary, Pat Josebury.
Alastair McAslan is Chairman of the Classic Motoring Section at Phyllis Court. He said, “We wanted to make a donation to Sue Ryder in memory of Pat Josebury, who was Secretary of the Classic Motoring and Probus Sections at Phyllis Court.
“She was such an active member and contributed so much to the club. She was heavily involved in setting up many of the events for our interest groups, and we were so fond of her.”
“Pat received meticulous care from Sue Ryder in her final days. We usually donate to a local charity, and with Sue Ryder being very embedded in South Oxfordshire, it felt the right thing to do.”
The August Bank Holiday classic car event at Phyllis Court has been running for over two decades and showcases members’ classic cars. Support from events like this at Phyllis Court has resulted in several donations to Sue Ryder over the years.
“I would like to thank Piers Flashman, President of the Classic Motoring Section, for his leadership and ongoing support. Piers, who knew Pat well, started the Section over two decades ago,” added Alastair.
“I would also like to thank Pat’s sons, David and Paul Sinclair, who joined us on the day. They both knew their mother was a keen member of Phyllis Court, and it was great to be able to share with them how much we all benefitted from her active involvement.
“It was wonderful to hear Pat’s sons speak so fondly about how their mother found Phyllis Court a great place to be. It was a pleasure to welcome them.”
Fern Haynes, Head of Community Fundraising at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire, said, “We are so grateful to all the members of Phyllis Court and the organisers from the Classic Motoring Section who kindly chose to make a donation to our charity this year in memory of Pat Josebury.
“It is an honour for us to be there when it matters for families, but as a charity, our care is heavily reliant on generous supporters like Phyllis Court donating and fundraising for us.
“The funds so very kindly donated will help us continue providing the expert and compassionate care we are so well known for. From us all at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire, thank you.”
