Young mechanics presented award certificates for classic car restoration

Jon Murden says, “About a year ago I donated a Hillman Super Minx mk3 I had rescued from a farm in Worcestershire to a local youth group who run an annual course for young people to learn about cars. I had acquired the car with the intention of restoring it and had made gradual progress. However, following a personal set-back, I re-assessed what I could now reasonably do and decided that the project was beyond me.

“When I met the organisers of the “Mechanix” group I was so impressed with what they do for young people in Hythe, on the spur of the moment, I offered it to them as a gift in the hope that it would do some good in our community and inspire some new classic car enthusiasts. This week, twelve months on, I saw the car at the end of their project, and they have done an amazing job of restoring the car. I am so delighted the Hillman has gone on to a good home and has a new life. And I was utterly thrilled to have met the young people who worked so hard and learned so much restoring it.”

The presentation of certificates in the museum was followed by a tour of the collection given by the museum’s Learning team. Lord Montagu said: “Whilst we are a national museum, this course happens to be run on our doorstep, so I am especially pleased that we have been able to host the presentation once again. The course offers a great opportunity for students to learn the skills which will be needed in the years ahead when some of the cars of today are in need of repair and restoration.”

Mechanix sees a group of young people aged 14-17 with no prior car mechanic experience challenged to bring cars up to MOT level during evening courses.  The students used manuals as their guide as they repaired the Hillman and a VW Beetle in a working garage in Dibden, learning essential car maintenance activities and carrying out practical MOT test procedures in the process.

Local vocational centre Totton College guaranteed that all Mechanix students who passed the course could progress to an interview for Higher Level mechanics courses, providing them with an opportunity to develop their skills further and become professional mechanics.

This Mechanix course was organised by St Andrew’s & All Saints’ Church in Dibden, Hampshire. Major local businesses including ExxonMobil, Draper Tools and Shawfix Autos played a pivotal role in supporting the course.

Reuben Shaw from Shawfix Autos says, “This was the first-time students will have encountered tappets, or carburettors and the students had no diagnostic tools. We are really pleased that these students have stuck with the course and got their qualifications. Over the last months, they have gained several practical skills and learnt about teamwork. The personal development goals that they each achieved are a real credit to them. I’d like to thank the volunteers, parents and sponsors who have shown great support to these students.”

Reverend Peter Toller of St Andrew’s Church, Dibden Purlieu says, “People often ask why a church is running a project involving cars. Whilst Mechanix is about spending time under the bonnet, it’s also about investing time in young people. We want to show young people they matter, that we see them, and we’re interested in their future flourishing. In this way, we’re following Jesus’ example. Our aim is for young people to grow in workplace skills and confidence to equip them for the future. Our prayer is that they know they matter.”

The Hillman Super Minx is due to return to Beaulieu on short-term loan this summer before being taken to auction, with the proceeds going to fund future courses.