Click here to see more pictures

We met on Saturday afternoon at the castle site at 3 o'clock and started to mark out the site. Quite a few members turned out for this and all mucked in with the line marking, putting up the gazebo and siting the caravan. We decided that because of the adverse weather conditions we would put the signs up early in the morning. The bbq was lit and food was dished out as we worked. There was a nervous excitement in the air, as we could tell that the weather was not going to be on our side.

With the marking out done, the food eaten, most of the members left for home. That left Phil, Roger, Richard and myself to stay the night in the field, in the caravan and tent. Richard, Phil and I were going to sleep in the caravan while Roger had his own tent. We all sat in the gazebo talking until it was too dark to see each other and then we moved to the awning and started playing dominoes, with a few cans. At midnight it was said that we would stop playing and go to bed, but this did not happen and it was three am before we got to bed and we were up at six.

We started putting up the signs, bunting and flags. Then it was the wait for it to start. Traders turned up first and started to lay out their wares, then one by one the cars came. It started to get very busy as the morning got under way - groups, clubs, shows, PA systems - it was all happening. The allocated marshals showed everybody to their places, programmes were sold, tickets were sold for the many raffle prizes, the tea was on the go all day. Everybody worked as a team, the nerves were gone, even the exhibitors were laughing and smiling, although it rained hard at times and clear skies pushed the dark clouds away so we could see and feel the warm sun on our faces. Maybe about 100 cars turned out from the 243 cars that had been entered but this was understandable because of the weather. The day was a success, we were all relaxed, time flew by and it seemed no sooner had we everybody in place than it was time to call the raffle.

I walked around trying to talk to as many people as I could. They were very pleased with the way the show went and commentated that all the marshals had been helpful and had a friendly smile for everyone. This show was done in aid of St Ann's Hospice and the money that was raised will go to them. It has not been officially stated how much was raised but watch the bulletin board! I am sure that an announcement will be made and we are thinking that it will be near to £1000.

With the plaques given out people started to leave. The one thing I did notice was the way everybody - and I mean visitors and classic car owners - had left the field so clean; it was hard to find rubbish to pick up. I expected there to be a lot more than there was, so everybody gets a big thank you for that - it made our job very easy, Thanks.

Now I can't wait for next year's show. I only hope the weather will be kinder to us all. Last thing to say is well done to Keith & Sandra  for organising the event, Hayden for all his help with equipment, Sue and the ladies for selling so many programmes and raffle tickets, Julian for the use of the caravan and lastly all the marshals for their hard work. 

Write up: Geoff

Winners of Best Car in Show

1st: MG YA owned by Mike Williams

2nd: Daimler Dart SP250 owned by Andy Hoddinot

3rd: MG Midget owned by Ian Williams
Wanted - a picture of this car for the website.