Guild 2014 AGM heads for Beaulieu

Home for the day will be the National Motor Museum in the heart of the New Forest in Hampshire where, in addition to the formal business of the annual meeting, there will be the unveiling of an exhibition dedicated to 70 years of the Guild, a chance to see behind-the-scenes at the world-famous museum and the opportunity to drive some of the latest cars from Toyota and Lexus.

With its own long and rich automotive history, it is appropriate that the venue should be the pioneering National Motor Museum.

During the AGM afternoon, members and their guests will be able to take a special guided tour of the museum with access to areas such as the workshops which are normally closed to the public.

Sponsors for the AGM are Toyota/Lexus, and will provide refreshments and lunch during the day. In the afternoon members will have the opportunity to test some of the latest models from the two brands on roads in the picturesque New Forest.

After the Annual Meeting, an exhibition of Guild memorabilia, to celebrate 70 years of the Guild’s history, will be unveiled by Guild member Murray Walker inside the National Motor Museum.

The exhibition, located alongside a new display celebrating Britain’s Land Speed Record breakers, will include many items taken from the Guild’s current displays at the RAC, Pall Mall and Coventry Transport Museum. The exhibit will run until the autumn.

For the first time, spouses and partners are being invited to the AGM day. While members are in the annual meeting their guests will be given a guided tour of Palace House, the ancestral home of Lord Montagu.

A building on the site dates back to before the 17th Century, but the house, as seen today, largely results from rebuilding work that was completed in 1874 and retains many period features.

There will also be an opportunity to see the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey, which dates back to the 13th Century.

Personal invitations to attend the AGM, along with nomination forms for new committee members and any resolutions, were sent out in the week commencing 10 March. The closing date for attendance, nominations for the committee and any resolutions to be discussed is Friday 10 April.