AT the end of June we were delighted to host our second navigational car rally in the Cotswolds, raising funds for  our Poverty Hurts Fund and GCF’s charitable work, to support local communities in the county struggling with poverty.

The aim of the event was to shine a light on our rural economy and the overlooked issues of rural poverty in Gloucestershire. To help raise awareness of some of these issues, we were supported by amazing local charities, Cotswold Friends, The Churn and The Keepers. Each charity was based at three of the pit-stops, to chat with guests about their work and some of the challenges facing families and individuals.

The day was a huge success, thanks to our brilliant events organiser and sponsor, Oasis Events, with 34 cars taking place and visiting five awesome venues along the route.

We were delighted to be joined by the luxury sunglasses brand Renauld, who kindly donated a pair of sunglasses from their Elvis collection for one of the rally prizes.

The day started at the fabulous Feathered Nest Inn, a beautiful spot in Nether Westcote, with stunning views across the Cotswolds. The guests were treated to delicious pastries and bacon butties before being flagged off to the first stop along the route..

First stop: Hill Barn

Guests were greeted at the exclusive event venue in a beautiful Cotswold stone barn, just outside of Stow-on-the-Wold.

The stop was hosted by the fantastic Cotswold Friends, a charity based in the North Cotswolds providing various services to combat loneliness and isolation, improve health and wellbeing, and support independent living in the area. With over 350 volunteer roles, their services benefit over 2,000 older and vulnerable people per year.

The Community Transport Service provides medical, practical and social journeys for those who are unable to drive or for whom public transport is difficult to use or not available. Community Transport is vital to allow people to access services including hospitals, doctors, post offices and supermarkets (Cotswold Friends Annual Report 2023).

Second stop: Hawkstone Brewery

Guests alighted at Hawkstone Brewery, just outside Bourton on the Water, and were hosted by The Churn Project, a charity based in Cirencester that works to support people of all ages particularly those facing the challenges of rural, small town poverty.

17% of the town’s population live with a limiting long-term illness or disability (The Churn Project, 2024).

Guests were treated to a fascinating guided tour of the brewery as well as samples of their superb locally brewed 0.3% alcohol Spa Lager.

Third stop: The Frogmill

Next stop, the wonderful 17th century Frogmill pub, at Shipton Oliffe. Upon reaching the third stop guests were happy to receive their free ice-cream treat and chat to The Keepers, a community hub based in Wooton-under-Edge, serving community families and individuals in the surrounding area and South Gloucestershire.

With 44% of households in their community living in deprivation, we provided 2,902 freezer meals from our community freezer (The Keepers, 2024).

Back on the road, for the final leg of the rally.

Guests were met at the final venue, the fabulous Stowell Park, with very welcome drinks and canapes, before an afternoon of prize giving, live auction, raffle and BBQ feast by the brilliant caterers, Reeka Events supported by our generous fundholder Lord Vestey.

Thank you to Tom Cross and Emma Smith for the wonderful photos and footage of the event. Special thanks to George Walker for providing the live auction and to everyone that supported the event: Renauld, JDC PROMOTIONS, Lumiere Cheltenham, Whatley Manor, Henry’s Seafood and Bar, Dunkerton’s, SimAir 737, La Boulangerie Artisan, Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham Racecourse, Midcounties Coop. 

“Thanks very much to you, your team and the volunteers for a really great day.  The atmosphere was so fun and light hearted, and everyone, literally everyone was so friendly” Alan Beresford, car rally driver.

Please consider donating to the Poverty Hurts Appeal so we can carry on fighting poverty and enriching lives.