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The group started in 2005 when Tony Cleaver, Trevor Foster and James Bianchi had the idea of dressing up
in period womens clothing to go with their cars (at this time James didn't have one and dressed as a 1970s hippie!) and entering
into the Sellindge Steam show 'Lady and Vehicle Competion' initially in protest as it wasn't a universal competition. However
it was decided to do this for charity and the nominated local organisation was the Gateway Hospital Broadcasting Service (GHBS) in
Dover's Buckland Hospital. The trio actually managed to raise a staggering £560 the biggest charity fundraiser GHBS had ever
seen.
Due to the success of this Tony Cleaver, Diane Cleaver and Trevor Foster decided to create a small
costume and car group to build on the success of their charity fundraising and the fact both Tony and Trevor had dressed in
period costumes at previous car shows while promoting the tourist attractions within the town of Dover and raising money for
local charities including the Canterbury branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. This was done through information boards
outside the vehicles and turning the insides into ''museum's'' of paraphenalia from the period their cars were from, in this
instance the 1940s and 1960s.
In August last year (2006) after several years like this and after the fundraiser
in 2005 the group was founded as the ''Kent Timewarp Car and Costume Group'' with a few members. The group's themetune
was chosen to be ''Timewarp'' from the film, the 'Rocky Horror Show' and this will now be used in events such as carnivals,
rallies and fundraisers.
In November 2006 after meeting mayor Jan Tranter and Councillor Ken Tranter the group
secured a grant from Dover Town Council to move forward with the establishment of the group and now have full support from
the town council and are committed to raising the town's profile and raising money for local charities. This enabled the group
logo to be designed by Terry Cleaver and the establishment of a website creating a corporate image of the group online.
In
Christmas 2006 the group was involved with the first Dover Christmas Extravangaza successfully raising £60 for the KM-FM and
Kent Messenger Give a Gift Appeal so the money could be used to buy food and gifts for the elderly during the Christmas period.
In
2007 it was chosen that the Dover Volunteer Bureau would be this years chosen charity and since then successful fundraising
attempts and show displays have been at Horton Farm, Dover War Weekend, Dover Transport Museum Fathers Day Ralley and an Easter
Run at Elham.
The group welcomes all members with an interest in fundraising, dressing in period costume and
classic cars and this does not mean you have to own one or dress up just have the commitment to fundraising, fun and raising
the profile of the town!! Our members range from teenagers to over 60s and we have a commitment to allow anyone to join whatever
their interest, with the backing of the town council to further raise money for local charities."
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