ISLE OF WIGHT
CLASSIC CAR SHOW
13th & 14th September 2008
Members present over the weekend
Ray & Val Bridges........ Terry & Mavis Borton
Julian & Amanda Chen ......... George & Tony Ansell
Steve & Sharon Johnson ........ David & Ieaun Luker
Steve & Vicky Day......... Jeff & Joan Allen
Geoff & Ros Coad ........ Doug & Jenny Maggs-Bayliss
John & Jackie Mendez ......... Colin & Di Rawlins
Bryan & Margaret Daw ......... Stuart & Lyn Whalley
Bernard Lyster.......... Andy & Mandy Madge
Graham & Mrs Arnold ....... Keith & Eileen Breeze
After a wet but enjoyable weekend at the Grand Gathering we loaded the Deville and set off once again to the Isle of Wight for the annual Classic Car Show sponsored by Wight Link. Once again the Deville had been used in the promotion of the event and was featured in the Wightlife calendar of events. The event is proving very popular not only with our members but other clubs as well with the biggest display of different vehicles I am sure at any one show. This year’s show was even bigger than previous shows with cars travelling from all necks of the wood to attend as well as the 500 or so that regularly turn up to this event. Each year Vic Gallucci, who works so hard putting the show together, invites us to attend and ensures that we are well featured in all press coverage and once again he didn’t let us down.
On arrival at Fishbourne we headed straight for our accommodation, Buzzard Barn at Porchfield, self catering converted Barns which are superb and we would recommend to anyone visiting the Island. Some had already arrived and had the kettle on and we were soon settled. A BBQ had been decided on in advance and with the weather for once turning in our favour I was soon off to the supermarket with Sharon and Ray as chauffeur to get food for us all. We had a great BBQ with Sharon taking charge of the coals and the rest of the ladies busying themselves in the kitchen - the chaps concentrated on the liquid arrangements and we were all soon enjoying ourselves with Ken & Joan the owners of the Barns, who always go out of their way to make us so welcome, joining us.
Saturday morning we were to be at Newport Quay by 9am if we were to secure a good spot on the Quay so an early start was needed. We arrived to see an abundance of other classics and soon the show was in full swing with music and entertainment. The show proved to be very popular with a steady stream of visitors. Retired Sgt Bob Cryer from “The Bill” and others from the set spent time chatting with us and agreed to a photo shot.
The whole day was a huge success and with the knowledge that Sunday’s show at Ryde was going to be an even bigger event we returned to Buzzard Barn in time to pop a few corks ( unscrew a few caps) and get ready for dinner, once again in house with 30 of us sitting down together. Fine Dinning was the order of the day and we did ourselves proud. Margaret Daw had somehow managed to cook so many lovely dishes and how she got them all in the car and still get Bryan in we will never know. Delicious Margaret – can’t wait for next year!!
Sunday once again demanded an early start and we were soon in place on Ryde Sea Front. The gathering of so many different makes of cars and trikes at one show was amazing. The show seemed to go on and on along the sea front and into adjoining parking areas. Thousands of people attended once again making it all very enjoyable. The Panthers were well received- with 17 cars well positioned and flags flying we were indeed an impressive sight. It was a pleasure to welcome Andy and Mandy from the New Forest who recently purchased a Lima and thought they would come and say hello on Sunday. Greetings also to the Arnold family who have their Kallista up for sale on the Island and brought it down on Sunday to join the show.
Some members said farewell and returned home after the show on Sunday while the rest of us stayed on until Wednesday.
On return to the Barns the drinks were soon flowing and having attended a great show, we enjoyed lots of good food and best of all great company. It makes you realise what a great club we all belong to and how important the social side is in making the club so enjoyable for its members.
We spent a lovely day touring the Island on Monday, visiting the Needles but leaving plenty of time for us ladies to challenge the men to Crazy Golf - what can I say but “We are the champions no time for losers” for the second year running, with Amanda Chen leading the field it was a good fun day. Once again back to the Barns and preparations for dinner were soon underway and with 22 sitting down to a 4 course meal we had a very enjoyable end to the day. Tuesday morning took us off to Cowes and then some went to Osborne House, others went to the Craft Village.
Wednesday morning we were all soon busy preparing to leave the Barns and head home after another very enjoyable time on the Island.
To those who made the journey a big thank you for representing the club so well, apologies to those who wanted to attend but left it too late to secure a crossing. We have already been invited to next year’s show so make a note in your diaries.
Val Bridges