With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations on our doorstep, a strong theme being spoken about is how much has changed in the world during the seventy years of her reign so far.
Various heritage organisations wish to celebrate this time by reflecting the important social, technical and cultural changes which have taken place.
For us at Shires, we reflect on our classic heritage vehicles to our modern fleet of today.
Legacy and Heritage
70 years of the Queen’s reign. Nearly 50 years of Shires Removals being established. In these decades, much has changed.
And a foundation of lasting legacy and heritage is an inherent pillar.
It enables strong institutions and organisations to remain constant and grow too. This is the same for Shires too.
Legacy and Heritage: These two are interlinked in so many ways. For the Queen, it is said that she strives to deliver a strong legacy for landscape, nature, and communities.
For Shires, we deliver constant quality removal services, always adapting to change and circumstance – especially during the pandemic, lockdowns, and reopening for business and moving people.
Reflecting on heritage and change
This is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on how much life in the UK has changed and developed. No more so than in our own transport vehicles!
Not only are we proud movers of our thousands of customers over the years; we are also proud owners of a fleet of vehicles – new and in use today, and those with a historic past that are still our pride and joy.
Just like our Albion Claymore … one of many that we restore and bring out to put on show from time to time!
“The world of classic and historic vehicles celebrates heritage and craftsmanship at every level. We are working to protect and preserve this great British industry for us all – and for generations to come”, say the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance. The HCVA aim to ‘protect the future of our past’ through the preservation of vehicles.
We love bringing the future of our past to life right here in our workshop.
What is an Albion Claymore?
This is a make of lorry made by Albion Motors. They were a Scottish automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer, founded in 1899. Later, they were bought by Leyland Motors and vehicles continued to be manufactured under the Albion brand until 1972.
And we are a proud owner of one of the originals. This is one of a number of heritage vehicles we own and have restored. Our love of trucks is timeless! We still find new vehicles to restore – when we find the time in between our other love of moving people and seeing them happily settled in their new environment!
What defines a historic and classic vehicle?
According to the HCVA, there are over 3 million classic and historic vehicles in the UK, and over 700,000 owners of classic cars. We are one of them!
On their website, they list an outline of how to define a classic vehicle:
“What are the definitions of ‘historic’ and ‘classic’ vehicles?
There is no absolute definition for historic and classic vehicles but the HCVA considers that once enthusiasm for a vehicle is such that owners gather to help each other restore, preserve and enjoy it, it is a classic – regardless of its age.
For legislation, of course, more precise definitions are required – but there is much confusion:
40+ years – cut-off recognised by DVLA/VOSA for “Historic Vehicle” tax and MoT exemption in UK
30+ years – cut-off recognised by FIVA internationally and accepted by HMRC for VAT exemptions
20+ years – cut-off recognised by FIVA internationally as Youngtimer classics
15+ years – cut-off recognised by some insurance companies for reduced-rate classic insurance, and by HMRC for certain taxation matters with value of £15,000+
Variable – HMRC will allow the VAT exemption on import for cars under 30 years old if a car is of historic interest, defined as having been involved in a historic event or a racing car that has achieved significant sporting success.”
Our combined love of all things Old and New
These historic vehicles are a key part of our heritage and enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
A lot of good has come out of technology and many changes over time. But one thing’s for sure – and it’s a constant – is that there is still also a future in loving old vehicles and restoring them!
The history of Jubilees
Royal Jubilees are an occasion to celebrate the life and reign of a monarch. And during the first weekend of June 2022, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee central celebrations take place. It is a special extended bank holiday weekend to provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate the historic milestone.
In the Queen’s words from 2015 to mark being the longest reigning monarch, “Inevitably a long life can pass by many milestones – my own is no exception – but I thank you all and the many others at home and overseas for your touching messages of great kindness”.
Through the pageant, they will showcase our changing society over the past 70 years. There’ll be bunting, the trooping of the colour, and bringing to life iconic moments.
It is a time of celebrating a national treasure and iconic figure.
The shape of heritage
Heritage shapes our identity and becomes part of what we are. And our expression of this identity shows others what we value; it highlights our values and priorities. It provides clues to our past and how our society has evolved. It helps us understand and explain why we are the way we are. And it plays an important role in our society, world view, and business.
And, in our Shires heritage, we have the tangible artefacts of historic vehicles that we love; combined with the intangible – of our traditions, skills, customs, and values.
And we love sharing these with you through the common language of community. And in our delivery of service to you – past, present, and in the future.
“Just wanted to say a huge massive thank you to Shires Removal Group and your entire team. The service we have received over the past six months has been fantastic.
The two colleagues who came to help pack up our house in back in September 2021 were brilliant – they worked so hard to get everything done in the very short time frame we had. They were professional, courteous and above all super-efficient. It was a pleasure dealing with Shires each month when it came to paying the storage fees.
The entire team who came earlier this month to return our belonging to us were absolutely brilliant – I can’t believe they worked so hard and got everything safe up to our flat (on the third floor) for us in such a short time. They were all very polite, courteous, helpful and as with the other team – super efficient. Shires have some excellent people working for them. We have been truly impressed with this company and the service we have received.
We can’t praise this firm enough – if you want an excellent, headache and hassle free move then make sure you engage this firm. You won’t be sorry.”
- Trustpilot
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