As always, Jezebel and the RCS Motor Club have a packed schedule for the year 2026.
But before we go into the details:
STOP PRESS: Help build enduring support for Jezebel by contributing something (anything you can) to the new Derek J. Toms Fund for Jezebel or ‘The Toms Fund’. Read more here….
And after that important digression, let’s get back to the 2026 programme……
Events, this year are influenced by the 100 year anniversary of two of Jezebel’s friends. Both Clementine II (affectionately known as Clem), the 1926 Morris T-type truck, run by the Royal School of Mines Motor Club and Derrick, City and Guilds’ 1926 Ner-A-Car motor bike, are 100 years old this year.
Which brings us to the Spring Term’s flagship event: The “Clemtenary Dinner” taking place at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon on the 21st of March 2026. Tickets will grant you access to a range of entertainment at the museum on the day, and the 3-course dinner in the evening. All students and alumni wishing to celebrate the life of Clementine, and enjoy the company of Jezebel and Derrick and Theta will be most welcome. A strong RCSA contingent is expected.
In addition to full museum access, the day will include a dedicated display celebrating Clem’s history and vintage vehicle displays, with the formal dinner beginning at 6pm. Guests are also invited to bring along their own interesting or historic vehicles to form a mini rally outside the museum, and to enjoy live demonstrations including Jezebel pumping from the lake.
Ticket prices range from £45 to £95 and further information can be found here, on the RSM Motor Club’s web site and ticket purchases can be made here, on the ICU Shop.
Ordering Hints: You can create an account here…. or if you already have an IC Union account you can click on the head and shoulder avatar at top right of that page. There are a few ‘trip hazards’ so check out our top tips here….).
The HCVS (Historic Commercial Vehicle Society) Brighton Run for this year will take place on Sunday 3rd May 2025. Departure is from Clapham Common, and of course the rally ends at Madera Drive. Do feel welcome to wave and cheer Jez along the route or to visit her at the Brighton end. There are sometimes spots available for alumni on the vehicles themselves. The very intrepid amongst you can express an interest on this sign-up sheet: HCVS Brighton run signup 2026 or, for more details, contact Otto Pilbrow, Motor Club Chair on rcsmc@ic.ac.uk
The dates for this year’s “Isle of Wight, Havenstreet Steam & Beer Festival” have only just been released. Pop them in your diary – they are Friday 28 August, 2026 – Monday 31 August, 2026. More information is available by clicking here….
Jezebel will once again be going to the “Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre“, taking place from Friday 18 September – Sun 20th September, 2026. This takes place on Old Warden Park, off the A1 near Biggleswade, where the famous Shuttleworth Collection of steam traction engines and many other items of interest will be displayed and demonstrated! Jezebel will have a lot of work to do, the organisers love using Jez to fill the steamers. You can find out more about the Country Fayre by clicking here….
Hopefully we’ll see you at at one of these events during the course of the year.
(You can directly support Jezebel by making a contribution to the newly launched Toms Fund. Donate here and help the RCS Motor Club ensure the long-term future of Jezebel.
If you approve more generally of the support the RCSA gives to Jezebel and the Motor Club as well as the support we give to all our science students there are other ways you can assist. You could sign up for RCSA membership here, and your annual subscription will be a great help, or consider making a donation to the RCSA Trust here. However you help, with no paid staff and no building costs, you can be assured that every penny we receive will be greatly appreciated and faithfully applied to assist the students of the Royal College of Science).