On Saturday 12th, B100 Members had a successful zoom Christmas that went down very well, with Lord Montagu updating everyone with what took place over the year, and some of the good coverage that made the Daily Mail, Echo and the Telegraph.

He spoke about the much-awaited opening of Little Beaulieu in March…and its subsequent closure 5 days later due to lockdown 1, and that during this time a display of cars was put outside the Museum and Palace House.

Lord Montagu also reminisced about his collection of toy cars, whilst helping with getting the “Motoring in Miniature – Toys from your Childhood” exhibition ready for the re-opening in July.

He also mentioned that along with our historic events that were unable to take place, it was the first time since 1947 that the Annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run was cancelled. However, motorists were encouraged to take their cars out for a nearby drive to celebrate, so a group of vehicle lovers drove through the New Forest to gather, socially distanced, outside Palace House and commemorate the event.

A “12 Days of Christmas” video put together by our Senior Curator, Sarah Wyatt, highlighting various items in our collections, was a fitting end off considering we were at the 12 days mark before Christmas! Click here to see more.

Members were also shown a video of all the Christmas items in the Collection Centre, before ending off with a raffle drawn by Lady Montagu. Click Here to see the Christmas treasures.

Everyone looked very jolly in their Christmas hats and glasses when a final toast was had, to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and tidings for a kinder 2021!