Number Plates Fever in Northern Ireland!

A fine selection of numbers went under the hammer at a recent auction of car registrations held in Belfast on 20 June 2007. The event was held on behalf of the issuing authority at the Malusk Auction Complex.

The auctions are held every year with a total of seven sales taking place throughout the year. Three of these by public auction and four by private tender. Each cherished registration auction features around 350 numbers.

At this latest sale, the star was LEZ 1. A fine example which, unsurprisingly, commanded a fairly spectacular price. Including fees and VAT, LEZ 1 was bought for around £78,850.

With another United Arab Emirates auction in Dubhai recently selling the single-digit registration 7 for approximately £1.5 million to the same gentleman who previously paid £3.5 million for the number 5, it is clear that the value of good number plates around the world is growing steadily as interest spreads.

Private Number Plates Promote New Facility for Alzheimer's Carers

Regtransfers.co.uk, the UK's largest supplier of private number plates, has donated a personalised number plate to help with a new Alzheimer's Society project.

The Society approached Regtransfers.co.uk with the intention of purchasing AS07 BUS for their new "Wellbeing Bus". The bus, operated by the Cardiff & The Vale branch of Alzheimer's Society, offers a cosy space for carers of those with dementia related illnesses to access a wide range of information on useful services, such as benefits, help lines, legal issues, support groups, respite care, statutory and voluntary agencies in the area. A unique aspect of this bus is the separate space where carers can receive holistic therapies such as reflexology or Indian head massage to help relieve the stress of caring. It is widely accepted that improved support for carers results in better care and a better quality of life for the carers loved ones.

The Wellbeing bus is visiting various Cardiff communities and, with the kind permission of Cardiff County Council, has been taking up position in the car parks of local leisure and community centres. The new bus, named "Primrose", will offer valuable support to carers, and will also serve to publicise the Society's work.

When staff brought the purchase of AS07 BUS to the attention of Regtransfers.co.uk's Managing Director he instructed them to refund the full cost of the registration and number plates. A spokesman for the company said, "We think promoting a good cause and a great facility like the Alzheimer's Society's new bus is a terrific, constructive use for a personalised registration."

As a charity, the Alzheimer’s Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 02920 521872. Additional information about Alzheimer's and the Alzheimer's Society is available online at www.alzheimers-society.org.