Member Article

Classic car donation for Rothbury Pipe Band

A classic car that caught national attention when it was featured on the TV programme Car SOS, is helping a popular Northumberland-based pipe band to motor ahead.

Tom Mason, 75, from Rothbury, is the proud owner of a 1934 Morgan F4 which is currently on display in the atrium at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter hotel.

Known locally as a Coquetdale hero for his voluntary work helping charities across Northumberland, Mr Mason has asked the hotel to donate the hire fee to The Rothbury Highland Pipe Band.

A cheque for £500 was presented to David Brown, chairman and drum major of The Rothbury Pipe Band by Andrew Fox, general manager at Crowne Plaza Newcastle -Stephenson Quarter, at a special event held at the hotel recently. Guests were treated to a performance by the 18-strong pipe band and a buffet lunch at Hawthorns brasserie.

The striking red three-wheeler classic car belonged to Tom’s uncle and was hidden away unused for 50 years before being featured on the National Geographic channel’s car restoration programme last year. It was fully restored by the show’s experts after they were touched by Tom’s passion for the community and how many people he has supported.

Commenting on receiving the donation, David Brown, chairman and drum major of The Rothbury Highland Pipe Band, says: “We’re thrilled to have received the kind donation from the hotel on behalf of Mr Mason. He has been a keen supporter of our band for many years and has made such a difference to the lives of many people in the Northumberland area and beyond through his charity work. It’s been a fantastic event and I’d like to thank everyone at the Crowne Plaza hotel for making it such a special occasion for us.”

Andrew Fox, general manager at Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter, adds: “I’m delighted to present the cheque on behalf of Mr Mason. Having the classic car on display in our hotel reception has provided a stunning centrepiece that has caught the attention of many of our guests and it’s been a real talking point. It’s great that we can combine that with supporting the Rothbury Highland Pipe Band through donating the hire fee.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter .