Looking at last year’s report and programme, we were anticipating that the 2007 show would set a new record donation, however, 2008’s event must have surpassed all expectations as a total of £13,000 was donated to MAGPAS last year. Whether this year’s run can beat it or not remains to be seen, but the vehicles were later coming back and more stayed on with space to display on Cottenham Green at a premium as the afternoon wore on, so the signs are good.

There were 19 stationary engines in attendance at Cottenham with examples of Ruston Hornsby, Lister, John Deere, Wolseley, MacLeod, Galloway, Crossley, Keats and Bexon, Ingeco, New Holland, Amanco & Petter. Water pumps and one solitary cattle-cake mill were demonstrated working, and the cup went to the display of milking equipment accompanying the Crossley engine.

The commercial section was a mixture of old regulars and some new exhibits. Amongst the favourites were the Esso-livered Scammell Highwayman, an earlier scammell in United Dairies colours, Welch’s smart Atkinson and WFL’s mighty AEC Militant. The newcomers included a Bedford TK, Morris FH, 1930s Morris Commercial in Bannold livery and a Fordson Thames E83W van. The Gowler family brought along three vehicles, a 1950s Leyland Comet, 1960s Leyland Super Comet and their Kenworth.

The tractors, always the heart of the event, seemed even more numerous than usual with examples of Field Marshall, John Deere, Ferguson & Massey Ferguson, Fordson, Nuffield & BMC, International and David Brown, with individual entries of Mercedes Unimog, Oppermann Motocart and JCB Fastrack. As usual, many left with empty trailers but arrived back with passengers, presumably collecting family and friends along the way.

The motorcyclists and scooterists left first and really do let everyone know the Road Run is coming. There were Francis Barnett, Honda, Greeves, BSA, Kawasaki, Matchless, Triumph Rex, Suzuki, New Hudson, Rudge, Royal Enfield, Norman, AJS, Raleigh, Matchless, Norton, Vincent & MZ motorcycles, while most of the scooters appeared to be Lambrettas with the occasional Vespa. There did not appear to be any real veteran cars this year, but there was a smattering of vintage and some nice classics. The Essex and the Daimler convertible stood out and when it left the green, so did the Mustang.

However, there was absolutely no need for any driver to wind on lots of lock and boot his vehicle away from Cottenham with lots of wheel-spin. With the narrow village street lined with pedestrians, any loss of control could have been fatal. The Road Run has an excellent reputation but just one idiot could spell disaster. Remember what MAGPAS is there for? Perhaps someone ought to make it clear that such behaviour cannot be tolerated, in the cause of genuine safety. Then perhaps then there would be no perceived need for a questionable indemnity clause on the entry form.

The following weekend sees the attendance of a visiting fairground on the Green at Cottenham so we assumed part of it comes early for this event. However, when we arrived, some rides and stalls were only just being laid out for assembly but swift work saw it all swing into action by lunchtime, and I presume it all stays in situ this week, being joined by larger rides and attractions which we met on the way home.

Who knows whether it will be possible for another record donation this year? Let’s wait and see.