First Class Technologies Supports Staffordshire Charity

First Class Technologies was proud to be the main sponsor for a Classic Car Tour organised by Wolverhampton & South Staffordshire Car Club, which raised over £1000 for The Community Foundation for Staffordshire.

Over 70 vehicles joined the inaugural Cannock Chase Classic Car Tour, travelling over 80 miles across Staffordshire, through Cannock Chase and the Black Country from Lichfield before finishing via Stafford in Rugeley on Sunday 13th June. Organisers have handed over a cheque for £1,000 to the Community Foundation to help support voluntary groups across the county.

Guests at the start of the tour, including (from left) Richard Hinton (First Class Technologies), Charles Hanson (TV celebrity & auctioneer), Simon Price (Trustee We Love Lichfield), Mike Broad (former World Rally Championship co-driver) and Faye Williams (Community Foundation).

TV celebrity and auctioneer Charles Hanson flagged off every single vehicle from the Bowling Green Pub in Lichfield and then welcomed drivers back to his new Staffordshire auction house in Rugeley for afternoon tea.

The Community Foundation for Staffordshire is a team of professional local community fund and grant managers. Non-profit making, they create and administer benevolent funds and grant giving schemes for philanthropists, business, central Government, and local authorities. They give away over £1m every year to voluntary organisations and charities. Based in Stafford they are ideally placed to manage funds and grants across county.

Before the pandemic scores of organisations held events across the county to raise money for the Community Foundation to distribute to voluntary groups. This important source of income was lost due to Covid and as restrictions are eased, individuals and companies are encouraged to raise money through safe events, within coronavirus guidelines.

Richard Hinton of First Class Technologies and main sponsor said: “Last year, in the depths of the pandemic I had the idea of a car rally across Staffordshire. The event was literally stop start for many months due to Covid, but what a way to celebrate the easing of restrictions. I’m delighted to hand over the money on behalf of drivers, passengers, time-keepers and spectators with special thanks to Wolverhampton & South Staffordshire Car Club who helped in the organisation of the inaugural Cannock Chase Classic Car Tour…yes, the first of many.”

Richard Hinton, MD of First Class Technologies handing over the cheque to Faye Williams of The Community Foundation for Staffordshire.

Faye Williams of the Community Foundation for Staffordshire said: “It was an amazing spectacle to see so many beautiful cars leave Lichfield in bright sunshine, then passing the finish line in the amazing surroundings of Bishton Hall. A memorable day, great fun and a huge thank you to all involved who have raised vital funds that will help voluntary groups across the county. Particular thanks to Richard Hinton of First Class Technologies for coming up with the idea, sponsoring and organising the event. Also, to Charles Hanson for his kind hospitality at Bishton Hall.”