Historic Vehicle Gathering 2009

This was always going to be one hell of a weekend and despite being visited by the wet weather for the second year running it did not disappoint. Luckily the rain was not so bad so the show did continue through the whole weekend.

We had a prime position for the stand, located on one of the main walkways which meant on both days we were visited by a good number of people (including those offering us XRs to buy and parts too).

Base camp was set up quickly this year with all food and cooking equipment in my larger tent ready for the breakfast ritual.

I must admit without Jaffa I was struggling to get the tent up on my own but as always everyone was so keen to help... thank you so much guys, it really was appreciated.

The fun and frolics started pretty much straight away friday, we headed to the beer tent to absorb some cheesy music and observe some questionable dancing. We had a good long chat between us and were all really looking forward to the start of the show the next day.

The day did not disappoint, after a good fry up (once Steve & Rich finally got up) we were ready for anything thrown at us. The cars were all lined up on stand and cleaned, flags erected and bunting arranged. Thank you to Marc and Abi who got there before us and already had their own gazebo up and ready for use.

There were so many vintage vehicles on display, it really was a bit of a time warp and quite spectacular. It was a little surreal that traction engines were trundle passed spectators throughout the whole day and no one seemed to bat an eyelid like it was the most normal and everyday thing imaginable.

I did run out of time saturday, by the time I had walked round the trade stalls and had something to eat the day was nearly over... I hadnt even looked at have the vehicles on display!!!!

Saturday night was a wet one, we spent the evening amusing ourself in my large tent, when the conversation started to get too rude we decided to play 'I Spy' instead. I still think RS for Red Seam was cheating!!!!

As we didnt have to drive until the end of Sunday we did indulge ourselves in a few drinkies and had a good giggle.

It was dark and the rain was down to a persistant drizzle, time to head back to the beer tent.

The traction engines were lined up infront of the tent, lights blazing. The sight was amazing and I found myself getting drenched as I was shooting video and taking pictures. As I took a few last snaps a gentleman came over and started chatting to me and suggested I climbed up with the drivers and saw what it was like up on these wonderful machines... although nervous I did jump at the chance. Wow!!!! If you ever get offered the opportunity I strongly urge you to take it. In the end I climbed aboard two of the machines and was grinning from ear to ear when it was over, I cannot thank the drivers enough for letting me join them.

Sunday was wet on and off but it didnt stop me visiting the stands and cars I missed the day before.

During the morning all the traction engines moved down to the bottom of the field alongside the railway track. Suddenly the whistles were all let off as a train thundered through. It was the Tornado, the first new mainline steam engine to be built in Britain for about 50 years. The atmosphere was electric, as the train past its whistle joined those already echoing round the countryside.

The day was then spent in and out from under the gazebo as little rain showers came and went. We did manage to have a great BBQ though (even if it was a little smokey). We had every kind of sausage, burger and kebab skewers, yummy! As the heat died I even managed to toast a few marshmallows.

Ive come to a point in the write up where I want to mention someone who seemed to steal the show all weekend. Jade (Abi & Marcs) spaniel is a real softy and seemed to be an attraction in her own right, winning the hearts of lots of visitors.

I am sure there is loads that did happen during the weekend that I have missed out but I think its probably best I let the pictures do the talking.... enjoy.

Write up by Loz

Photos by Loz

Video by Loz

Club members:

Other cars: