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As we all know, many cars have names which reflect their character and looks, and “Betty” seems perfect for a Morris Minor. Firstly, it will forever be associated with the exclamations of Frank Spencer as he managed to reverse a 1957 4-door off a cliff near Swanage in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, and secondly it seems the perfect nom-de-Minor – not racey but sensible and reassuring. This particular “Betty” is a 1000 Tourer that is a star of the Classic Car Hire North Fleet in Gilling East in North Yorkshire and is available for self-drive hire and wedding transport duties. As a 1960 model, she is still fitted with trafficators - Minors would not adopt flashing indicators until 1961 – although there is now servo-assisted brakes.

As you can see, Betty looks utterly immaculate, which is a testament to the dedication of the team at Autism Plus. Katie Mitchell, the marketing manager of the charity, explains:

We are working in partnership with Classic Car Hire North to offer our friend, Betty the Morris Minor for hire in North Yorkshire. We are supporting adults and young people with autism and disabilities in North Yorkshire to learn and develop work and social skills by preparing the car for hire. The project offers a safe place for people to gain confidence, believe in themselves, work together and learn valuable skills. Tasks can include administration, cleaning, valeting, shining and polishing so that she is ready for her next trip. 

At Autism Plus we support people with autism, some with quite complex conditions to live independent and fulfilling lives. Across the Yorkshire region we are supporting people in living in their own homes, adult learning, and support into and sustaining employment. We run social enterprise businesses that offer real routes to employment (In Ampleforth we have a chocolate factory and horticulture site).

All the profits from Betty’s hire are reinvested in Autism Plus and the pride taken by her valets is immediately evident. She looks as though she had just left the production line at Cowley, ready to be driven in a brave new world of coffee bars and The Shadows playing Apache - although a Minor owner would probably have opted for a nice cup of tea.

Cars such as Betty are further proof that the classic world is more than about the machinery, for it so often provides an invaluable sense of community. Autism Plus was established by the parents whose adult children had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition and the Morris Minor represents just one aspect of its work.

Ensuring the Tourer is in showroom condition instils a sense of pride, achievement and belonging. To be ‘on the spectrum’ is a very challenging experience and, if your interest happens to be classic motor cars of any marque or model, to be at the NEC, Beaulieu or a local gathering is to find a haven. Here I must pay special tribute to Betty and her retinue, as I have an insider’s knowledge of autism; 48 years of experience in fact. Autism Plus and Classic Car Hire North are to be saluted.

WITH THANKS TO:

AUTISM PLUS - https://www.autismplus.org/

CLASSIC CAR HIRE NORTH - https://www.autismplus.org/news/2018/june/betty-our-morris-minor