Once again this proved to be an excellent show with more of everything for the public to see, talking of which a larger attendance was noticeable and a reasonable entry fee of £5 seemed a fair price for the size of the show and event. The Fens Vintage team were unable to attend this year due to other personal commitments but this report has been sourced from a well-respected exhibitor and steward at local events. Photos remain of the 2007 event.

Where does one start? Firstly the Car Boot was held in a different field to last year, separated by the car parking area, thus making the vintage show a totally separate feature ensuring visitors paid rather than sneaking in through the fence.

On entering, a grand display of Vintage Motorcycles was first seen including some rare machines. A very nice assortment of Scooters (with mirrors) from the Scooter Club was also there. On the same theme, what was noticed going around the show field was an outstanding Harley Davison motorcycle complete with its trailer. What a fantastic machine this was, but had to be seen at dusk to get the view of the wonderful arrangements of lights to appreciate it. At a mentioned cost of £35,000, no wonder it turned peoples’ heads.

Then came the classic cars, always a good showing, especially on Sunday at any show, once again bringing back memories to lots of people. You could read their lips saying “I used to have one of those”, all nicely shining, their owners’ pride and joy. This section was supported by a great turnout of Mini cars from the Mini Club, again a big variety. Then there was an assortment of Commercial Vehicles some twenty of them of all sizes, far better to see than the large juggernauts seen on the roads today, each having its own character.

The Tractor section was well supported, also with a chance to show off their skills at ploughing. These always seem to shine through, especially ploughing on the black soil of the fenlands although some left the stubble showing through. Good ploughmen should bury it all.

The Stationary Engine section formed a fine showing once again with some 60 plus engines, from a small gas powered Leek engine to a large diesel powered Ruston Hornsby 14hp 2XHR. There were a big variety of named engines including Lister, Amanco, Jumbo, Wolseley, Petter and Blackstone. This section was very well laid out and looked a credit to the section steward as the exhibitors agreed.

At least that was until the Fire Safety Officer appeared thus changing the whole set up and annoying several exhibitors. The section steward was unaware of the required new set up, not being informed by the organiser, who was apparently told weeks previous. In the end all worked out well and a good time was had by all. I should add that the said Fire Safety Officer only appeared to target the Stationary Engine section although other sections were at a greater risk, e.g. Steamer and Tractor sections, some with their awnings touching etc.

On to the steamers, quite an arrangement here of large and small engines, a credit to their owners, some twelve in total. There was quite a selection of trade stalls despite a car boot sale being held on the same site, albeit away from the show.

Now on to the Evening Entertainment! This was somewhat a disappointment in that the advertising said free entertainment for all exhibitors but then was charging them a £1 entry fee. Needless to say a lot declined on principle and returned to their caravans, us being some of them. Saturday Evening was free entry but left a lot to be desired. Firstly we were approached by two young girls waving a book of draw tickets and a beer glass for the money, selling tickets for the Macmillan Nurses (a good cause but badges and proper collection containers would be more official & give reassurance that the money is destined for the proper place). Being in a different venue than last year the entertainment was spoilt by poor acoustics and distorted microphone or speakers along with rowdiness at the back drowning out the star of the show.

Editor’s note - £1 per person may not seem a lot but organisers have to remember that the majority of exhibitors shell out on specialist transport vehicles, trailers & living accommodation in addition to their everyday transport, which have to stored, insured, taxed, maintained & fuelled, and many then provide their own fuel to entertain during the weekend, at what is now not inconsiderate cost. Free access to entertainment is usually provided by the organisers as a draw in to the bar area. Some venues that have tried to charge for this facility in the past have come un-stuck and lost the loyalty of the people who provide their show.

The well advertised flight of various aircraft, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Red Arrows, etc failed to appear, a great disappointment for many, although the weather was good. Finally, just one small block of toilets for the whole of the show just wasn't enough; at least two more blocks were required. As reported last year the Organisers must have meetings with the section Stewards to get these things sorted, something that appears not to have happened, otherwise what could be a really big event in the future will be lost.