Photography by Jeff Jones
Once again we were treated to the sights and sounds of hundreds of vehicles descending upon our corner of Hertfordshire. Cars, bikes, tractors and even a Green Goddess fire engine! The scale and range of vehicles was truly amazing and there was not a single area that was not packed to capacity. The crowd that turned out was a sight to behold – surely the Town has never been so busy.The weather was kind once again – we have been so lucky this year with all our events.
There was certainly enough on show for the huge crowds who descended upon the Town to talk about whilst they listened to the many bands who were providing the musical entertainment for the day – we even had belly dancers as an added attraction! Food and drink were plentiful from the various barbecues, hog roasts and street vendors and all in all the day appeared a tremendous success. Every available space for vehicles was used – the whole of the High Street, Market Hill and The Manor House Car Park were full and much of the pavement area was filled with a huge variety of Motorbikes. The front garden of the old Grammar School was home to a superb display of vintage vehicles – courtesy of local enthusiast Iayn Thomas and his band of NUTS (Nostalgic and Unusual Transport Society). The North end of the High Street was as usual filled with an impressive array of American cars and trucks and the obligatory Harley Davidsons. The Manor House car park housed the Green Goddess fire engine along with an array of farm vehicles – The Royal British Legion had their stand again and raised £450 for Help for Heroes – a tremendous amount for a tremendous cause.
The Bluesmobile ( from the Blues Brothers film) made its noisy entrance and proceeded to the Church Street stage where it proved a perfect foil for the Freman All Stars set. A more sedate but thoroughly entertaining performance was given by the Buntingford Choir.
Thanks must go to the many people who turned out to support the event – there was not one single incident that marred what was a very special day.
Special thanks must go to our 2 new sponsors this year – Autofix of Buntingford and MJ Warner of Hare Street – their participation enabled the event to be just that bit more special this year.
There was the usual prize giving towards the end of the day with the awards going to the following:-
- AUTOFIX Award for best Car – Glenn Klein – Chevrolet Impala – presented by Simon Druce of Autofix
- Dickie Burrell Award for best bike – John Hutchin – Jaguar trike – presented by Poppy Burrell
- MJ Warner Award for best paintwork – Jonathan Smith – Dax Cobra – presented by Rob Walker of M J Warner
- J Oliver Radley Award for the vehicle most liked to drive home in – Daniel Smith and his Dax Cobra
- MY Computer Services Award for most Interesting vehicle – John Dynes and his Mini Pickup
- Brian Juniper Chairmans Choice Award – David Fitch and his D Type Jaguar
Final thanks must go to the organising committee and helpers without whom this event would be impossible to run and the organising committee look forward to welcoming everybody back next year – remember the date now – Saturday 7th September.