On the 15th of May, the CEIP San Bernardo Primary School in Estación de San Roque (Cadiz province) hosted a momentous event titled ‘The Cultural Heritage of Historic Vehicles and Their Compatibility with the Environment’.
This landmark occasion marked the first collaborative effort in Spain between the Spanish Federation of Antique Vehicles (FEVA), representing the International Federation of Antique Vehicles (FIVA), and a member of the Spanish Federation of Associations and Clubs for UNESCO, the UNE Campo de Gibraltar Association for UNESCO (UNE-ACGU), situated in the Campo de Gibraltar region of Cadiz province.
The presentation was meticulously organized by the Joint Working Commission between FEVA and UNE Campo de Gibraltar Association for UNESCO (UNE-ACGU), helmed by Vicente Sevillano (a member of both FEVA and UNE-ACGU) and Juan José Sevillano (a member of UNE-ACGU).
In the group photograph, distinguished members including representatives from UNE Campo de Gibraltar Association for UNESCO, FEVA, the Director of CEIP San Bernardo, and the President along with mothers of AMPA Estación (Association of Mothers and Fathers Estación) were captured, symbolizing unity and collaboration.
This collaborative effort witnessed the participation of CEIP San Bernardo Primary School, AMPA Estación, as well as renowned institutions such as the Eduardo Barreiros Foundation (Valdemorillo-Madrid), MHAS - Salamanca Automotive History Museum, SEAT en Rodaje Private Collection - Nave 6A (Milmarcos-Guadalajara), Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum, Motor Clasico Magazine, and Cero a Cien Magazine.
Nearly 50 students from the 6th grade classes of CEIP San Bernardo Primary School actively engaged in this enriching event. The presentation commenced by acquainting the children with the organizing entities and their core objectives. FEVA, the Spanish Federation of Antique Vehicles, and UNE Campo de Gibraltar Association for UNESCO (UNE-ACGU) have been steadfast in their commitment since 2009, offering various activities aimed at realizing UNESCO's objectives in education, science, culture, and communication.
Subsequently, the children were enlightened about FIVA (International Federation of Antique Vehicles), which since 2017 has been recognized by UNESCO as a custodian of the world's automotive heritage. The significance of FIVA's plea to UNESCO in 2016 to proclaim it as the World Motoring Heritage Year was underscored.
Moreover, the children were introduced to the concepts of historic vehicles and youngtimers according to FIVA, accompanied by evocative photographs and videos from iconic classic motor events, including the I Rally del Centenario FEVA 2022, I Encuentro Nacional Motocicletas FEVA 2021 - Vuelta a Soria, and I and II Concentración de Clásicos ‘Ciudad de San Roque’ organized by the Real Club de Clásicos Campo de Gibraltar, member FEVA nº104.
The children were further enlightened about FEVA's participation in FIVA Motorcycle Week and the imperative to preserve, promote, and protect historic vehicles according to FIVA's principles.
Furthermore, they were educated about the cultural heritage embodied by historic vehicles and their environmental compatibility. The discourse was informed by the manifesto for ‘Securing the Future of Our Motoring Heritage. Preserving Historic Vehicles´ Place On The Roads Of Tomorrow’ and the ‘Sustainability Strategy - Reuse - Rework – Recycle’ documents endorsed by FIVA.
As tokens of appreciation, each child received a copy of the comic version of the FIVA Turin Charter translated into Spanish by FEVA, along with FEVA cut-outs of classic vehicles such as SEAT 1200 Sport ‘Bocanegra’, Bultaco Tralla 102 & Pegaso ‘Bacalao’.
A highlight of the event was the exhibition of videos and photographs from collaborating museums, offering students insights into their objectives and activities. Notably, participating children were generously gifted with a copy of the children's book ‘Eduardo Barreiros: Mi bisabuelo fantástico’, courtesy of the Eduardo Barreiros Foundation; a T-shirt each from the MHAS - Salamanca Automotive History Museum; and a draw for historical comics from the SEAT en Rodaje - Nave 6A Private Collection.
The event culminated with a visual journey through historical constructions of San Roque city, featuring landmarks such as the Peralted Bridge of Puente Mayorga from the 18th century, the Madrevieja Bridge from 1776, the Guadiaro Iron Bridge from 1929, and the San Roque - La Línea Railway Station from 1909. Despite its railway significance, the recently restored San Roque - La Línea Railway Station stands as a poignant reminder of the city's transportation history, evoking nostalgia among local residents.
Article & Pictures by Vicente & Juan Jose Sevillano Guerrero