Gorgeous sunshine was predicted for the whole weekend and for once the weather forecast was spot on, perfect for camping and putting on a good display.
We had a good turn out, especially as we were joined by some South Wales members and we had our favorite spot for our stand.
We all arrived Friday night and set up base camp with the tents in a circle and a gap in the middle where we could all gather when not on the showground. Even that night was quite a spectacle as we watched vehicles of different eras trundle past on the public road outside the showground.
We spent all of this first night catching up with each other and relaxing, we had plenty of time to run around getting pictures and get the polish out.
The Saturday was busier than previous years which was great, we set up stand and set to cleaning the cars, to be honest they were all in a good state anyway but I think sometimes we do try to be perfectionists (which is very hard when you car is in its 20s (or near enough).
As the sun got higher in the sky the temperature rose and it wasn't long until it was a scorcher. The atmosphere was great, heightened by the regular noise and smell of a steam vehicle passing by. The steam car is such a wonderful bit of engineering, seeing that whiz by was a pleasure.
We looked round the trade stands, there was something for everyone; vintage car parts, books, sweets, fresh fruit, models, cleaning goodies and much much more.
More so than ever the day flew by and it wasn't long before we were retiring back to base camp, although one car stayed on stand due to a lack of life in the battery.
We treated ourselves to a mega big barbeque, everyone pitching in with food they had brought. (Thank you to you all). I am sure we could have fed the whole site if we needed to. We were joined by Steve's friend that night and he parked his split screen VW camper alongside our tents. We all enjoyed a drink or too... some of us got a little tipsier than others.
We headed off down to the main field (and beer tent) where as usual the night brought an entirely different new angle to this show. we stood in the light generated by the traction engines and watched in awe. At this point I turned into a bit of a sneaky so-and-so, after a little bit of mingling I managed to arrange for Kev to get a go up on board one of the engines.... I haven't seen a grin appear so quickly or get so big as he clambered aboard.
Jaff also found a truck like he used to drive when he was doing the continental runs and his eyes seemed to glaze over when the owner let him climb inside.
All in all it was an amazing night and we happily stumbled back to the tents in the pitch black, ready to turn in for the night.
Sunday arrived bright and early. After the usual cups of tea we moved all the cars down to the stand again. The gazebo was re-erected and we picked up from where we left off the previous day; shopping, taking pictures or just sitting and chilling. Some of us even amused ourselves playing with XR Ted.
We had planned a proper barbeque rather than an instant one but unfortunately we did not have all the provisions required so after some gas cookers were rustled up the food after dinner was cooked an demolished!!!
The rest of the afternoon passed by really quickly and before long we were all back at base camp for a last big meal to finish off the huge amount of burgers and sausages we had brought with us. We got on with the task of taking down the tents and packing everything away into our cars.
Before the weekend was officially over we hung around a little longer getting some photos of the cars.
My last thought from this show....
Earlier this weekend we had been comparing mobile phone tones for when texts arrive, I had managed to reduce a few of us into fits of giggles with my overly rampant squirrel. This tone was quite promptly shared round between us.
As we left Steve's friend hooked his phone up to his stereo system and as he drove out all we could hear was dubious squirrel noises echoing across the campsite. The looks on the faces of the remaining campers was priceless!!!!
Thank you to everyone who came and joined us for this show, I have got a feeling this one will just keep getting bigger and better for us... roll on next years!!
Write up by Laura Summerwill
Photos by Laura Summerwill & David Reading
