Like a movie monster that refuses to die, the longest year in history – 2020 – staggers towards its horrendous conclusion. I’m sure many of you have had your year turned on its head either by the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) virus, or the economic fallout that’s causing havoc in its wake. I’ve had a rotter of a year, but thank my lucky stars that I remain in gainful employment, and I still have my family, significant other and health – for those who don’t, my utmost sympathies are with you.
I’m assuming that you’re going to have a quiet Christmas, as I am, but it’s worth saying, now that 2020 will be over soon, the vaccinations are rolling out slowly – and, hopefully, the current situation that sees our border with France closed, will be sorted out quickly. Yes, a virus doesn’t follow our schedule, and the situation isn’t going to go away just because a zero clicks over to a one on a calendar, but the weather will get better in the spring and the virus must surely recede once the country gets put into a further lockdown.
With that in mind, I do hope I can spend some time adding more nostalgia stories to AROnline to keep you amused and inspired in 2021. The Memories series was a big success and really caught your imagination. There will be more industry stories, interviews and personal accounts of car ownership. I really hope to re-instate the Car of The Month feature again – and we have a cracker lined up for January.
Despite the catastrophe that was 2020, AROnline‘s gone from strength to strength, breaking our traffic records time after time. That’s all down to you – and to each and every one of you, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Of course, it’s also down to the high-quality Contributors on the writing team – not least Mike Humble, Ian Nicholls, Chris Cowin, Martyn Kelham and Bill McWilliam among others – as well as Alexander Boucke and Clive Goldthorp, who helped with things behind the scenes. There’s more to come in 2021 – and, even more excitingly, it’s the 20th anniversary of the website, so I really hope to be able to get a small event together to celebrate. Fingers crossed on that one…
Me? I’ll no doubt continue buying cars and saving them. There have been a few this year after a slow start, and I’m sure my Compulsive Heap Purchasing Disorder (CHPD) will go from strength to strength. There’s no point even trying to kid myself that It’ll not cost me dear… it has my entire adult life. First thing’s first – I need to get a moody five-cylinder Audi running properly.
There’s not much else to say really, other than please do have a happy, peaceful and enjoyable few days off (if you get them)… you’ve no doubt earned it!
Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...
Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.
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Keep up the good work Keith and the rest of the contributors!
This website has kept many of us sane this year, and as ever has brought us new stories that we all love to debate.
Amen to that
Merry Christmas Keith, glad to hear all is well with you. I’ve been following this site since 2004 and always look forward to reading the new articles. The Memories series was brilliant. Thanks for your hard work in keeping the site going and best wishes for 2021.
John
Merry Christmas Keith and to all the other AROnline contributors! We really appreciate the work that goes into this website.
Can’t believe it’s 20 years coming up! I’ve got a Rover 75 V6 and a MINI that would have been brand new when this site was started, and would have felt like a far off dream to own either one of them ( well in the case of the MINI I’d have hated myself for buying one! Thankfully time changes and wounds heal).
It’s over 15 years since I started visiting AROnline and still love the fascinating features, pictures and stories about all things British motoring – past, present and future?
I look forward to making regular visits to the site in 2021. Meanwhile Best wishes to Keith and all contributors & readers for Xmas and New Year. Keep those fingers crossed.
I’ve been dropping in here for more than 10 years, and it still never ceases to surprise me how much fascinating trivia can appear on a page. Long may it continue – and everyone else with it.
Keep up the good work in 2021 Keith !
All the best Keith. Thanks for all the work on the site this year, long may it continue
Wow, Keith, almost 20 years now. Congratulations! AR online is the best site on cars I know. Keep up the good, nay! great work
Wow, 20 years. I first discovered the site in 2011 and have been a regular visitor (though not commentator) ever since. Thanks to Keith and all the other contributors for another year of interesting articles – some of which helped keep me sane when I was bedridden with the horrible virus earlier this year.