Introduction

I am excited to launch the SVS Automotive Group. The Group aims to bring together all constituents of the Sutton Valence School community, OS, pupils and parents, to share our passion for all things automotive.

The association of cars and Sutton Valence School is something of a family thing. My father, Dick Slaughter (1964 W) is a former Motor Club President, if you see him at an upcoming event don’t forget to ask about the headmaster’s dog! As a parent to two current pupils with a keen interest in cars (my daughter’s favourite car is a Lola Mk 1 – you may need to ‘Google’ that one! Whilst my son is restoring a 1971 Mini Cooper S) I am pleased that the School is supporting engagement across the entire School family.

The internal combustion engine is without doubt one of humanity’s greatest innovations. Delivering the technology that gave independence and mobility to generations. The car is also at the heart of many great stories from the wonders of Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang to the adventures of James Bond in the Aston Martin DB5. The SVS Automotive Group will be a forum for celebrating our love of cars and bikes across the ages. Indeed, our launch event will bring together cars in the Sutton Valence School community this summer (more details below).

But the SVS Automotive Group will be more than a nostalgic retrospective. The automotive industry is transforming as the ICE comes to the end of its era with the emergence of electric, autonomous, bio and hydrogen fuelled cars. The Group hopes to inspire the next generation of designers, engineers and technologists by exploring the emerging mobility industry.

The SVS Automotive Group is aiming to bring a few significant events a year to the School. The events will look to explore all aspects, from the automotive industry to motorsport to ownership and career opportunities. With a variety of formats, we hope to bring pupils, past and present, and parents together so that passion and knowledge can be shared.

SVS Car Show

The first event takes place on Sunday 19th June (Fathers' Day) with the SVS Car Show. This year’s event will again take place on Upper alongside the 1st XI Cricket fixture against the Band of Brothers XI. The SVS Car Show invites cars and motorbikes in two categories: cars produced before 1982 (Classics) and cars produced post-1982 (Future Classics). The SVS Automotive Group is thrilled that John Haynes (1985 M) and Christopher Haynes (1991 M) have dedicated The Haynes Cup for the Classics 'best in show', in honour of their father John Haynes (1956 M). There will also be a popular vote for the Future Classic of the show.

The Car Show will run from 11:00 to 15:00 with catering and entertainment befitting a glorious summers day at the School. So, time to remove the dust sheet, check the oil and polish the chrome to prepare your pride and joy for the show! Please submit cars for entry to the Development Office.

To parents and OS if you are active in the automotive industry, we would love to hear from you as we look to build on the Car Show with a series of events that explore to career opportunities and emerging technologies.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Car Show this summer.

James Slaughter (1992 F)