EVENTS Ever since boyhood, I’ve had a fascination for air shows. The noise, the power, the speed, and the showmanship of it all, makes for a superb day out. It’s probably why I went into aircraft engineering from school, and probably why it’s still my day-job many years later. The Cotswold Air Show at Kemble in late June was an excellent example of how pilots punch holes in the clear blue sky, converting kerosene into thunderous noise. 
The RAF’s Red Arrows put on a superb display of precision flying, while the Hurricanes, Spitfires & Dakotas provided nostalgia by the bucket full. My favourite, and judging by the crowd’s reaction it was theirs too, was an RAF Typhoon. It was a brilliant demonstration of pure ground-shaking power and breath-taking agility; I may have even whooped occasionally like an American! Two Stags were on display in the classic car area; Editor Barrell’s & mine, each tagged onto opposite ends of a long line of TR’s, like a pair of orphans. 
Buddug & I had a wonderful drive through some of the prettiest villages in England; unlike that of Emrhys, who had a high-speed squabble with a deer. Needless to say the deer came off second best. Cleverly disguised with SOC & ‘Ashes to Ashes’ posters, it was hard to see the full extent of the damage while his car was on show, and I’m sure Emrhys will have more details of the mishap elsewhere in the magazine. However, although it remained driveable enough to get them home, I fear the Stag won’t be a cheap fix in the repair shop. David Chapman 8th August 2010 – Lytham Hall, Classic Car & Bike Show Lytham Hall, Ballam Road, Lytham St Annes, FY8 4JX. Large classic car and motorcycle show on the lawns of the Grade One listed Georgian Hall and gardens of Lytham Hall. In addition, the Hall and tearoom will be open from 11am - 3.30pm. Please note that entrance to the Hall is not included in the show ticket. Open 10am. Adults £6, under 14's £2.50, including Park and Gardens Tel: 01697 451882, Website: www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com 13th – 15th August 2010 – Hanbury Vintage Transport Show, Vernon Arms, Droitwich Road, Hanbury, Worcs. B60 4DB This is the former Evesham Vintage Steam Rally, and promises a great weekend's entertainment, with steam engines, classic & historic vehicles, military vehicles, agricultural vehicles, trade stands, and market stalls. Also featuring ‘Victory’, the world’s largest touring organ, brought over from Holland. Open from 10am. Entrance: £7 adults, £6 seniors, children £3. Tel: 01527 575003. Website: www.shakespearesrally.com 15th August 2010 – Shugborough Hall Classic Car Show, Shugborough Hall Milford, Nr. Stafford, ST17 0XB Over 600 Vintage and Classic Cars, American, Kit and Custom Cars, Motorcycles, Commercials, Club Stands, Autojumble, Tradestands, childrens inflatables as well as onsite catering. Open from 10:30am, entrance; £6.50 adults, £3 children & parking free. Tel: 01922 643385, Website: www.transtarpromotions.co.uk 15th August 2010 – Knowsley Hall Classic Car & Bike Show, Knowsley Hall, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AG. This is the second show at this venue, which is the stately home of Lord Derby. House, gardens, and tearoom, and with over 400 cars on show it promises to be a good day out. Open 10am. Adults £6, under 14's £2.50, including park and gardens (house tours by separate admission). Tel: 01697 451882, Website: www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com 21st August 2010 – Spen King Tribute Run, Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warks. CV35 0BJ. At the time of writing, details are still sketchy. However, the Rover SD1 Club is planning a run from the Land Rover factory in Solihull, down to Gaydon. Our own Lesley Phillips is involved in the Triumph side of the run, which will have a different starting point (Standard Triumph Club, Coventry) so further details can be obtained from her. Expected entry fee is £10 per car. For entry forms, contact Sally Sheldon (events@roverSD1club.net) or 07779 468027. 29th & 30th August 2010 – 20th Knebworth Annual Classic Motor Show, Knebworth Park, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2AX. With over 2000 classics, a large autojumble and considerable club support, Knebworth remains a firm favourite for enthusiasts from all over the country. The new Dinosaur Trail and miniature railway has proved very popular with children. Open from 10am – 5pm. Entrance for show and park: £8, or group of four, £28. Tel: 01527 871150. Website: www.greenwoodsexhibitions.com 11th & 12th September 2010 – 44th Beaulieu International Autojumble, National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hants. SO42 7ZN. Beaulieu's most famous event is the International Autojumble. With over 30,000 people attending last year, it is Europe’s biggest outdoor sale of motoring items for cars and motorcycles. 30 acres of autojumble means there are over 2000 stands to fleece you of your hard-earned cash, containing motoring parts, accessories, books, tools and clothing, and covering all motoring eras. The event is held over two days to enable visitors to see everything. Bonhams are again holding a Collectors Cars auction on Saturday. Entrance Saturday; £13.30 adults, £7.70 children; Sunday; £11.70 adults, £7.40 children. Reduced tickets available on-line in advance. Open from 9:30. Tel: 01590 612345. Website: www.beaulieu.co.uk |