WEST LANCS FESTIVAL OF TRANSPORT - SUNDAY 7th SEPTEMBER 2003
This event is run and organised by the
Lancashire MG owners club. For the previous 3 years it had been held at a smaller
venue but had outgrown it, thus a larger venue was required and this turned out
to be Kingswood College (Scarisbrick Hall), only 2 minutes from where I live.
I have to admit, I was completely unaware of it until Gary happened to mention
it one day, as it had been advertised in a local paper and were asking
for any classic car clubs in the area to attend. And so it was, only 3 weeks
prior to the event, that a hurried e-mail went out to all those in the NW
asking if anyone was interested in taking part.
The event itself incorporated a 60 mile organised run out, Monte Carlo plates and all,
but by the time I had contacted the organiser, he only had 10 places
left which I quickly reserved. The response was fantastic, the 10 run tickets
taken up within the week plus 10 other confirmed attendees.
And so the day arrived, and as was to be expected, there were a few who were
unable to make it, but it was only a few, as 17 turned up. The weather held out
and with the forecast showers failing to appear, 11 cars proceeded out of the
show for the 60 mile run out around some of West Lancashires most scenic
areas. However!!, trying to keep 11 cars together in one line is something I
will not try and do again, especially when the nominated map reader (you shall
remain nameless - this time!!! fails to make the very first turn! Once the
cars had been rounded back up, off we went again, stopping and starting at
every junction until the inevitable radiator blow out, sorry Sue! By this time
a few of us had calculated that at our present rate of speed, it would be
nightfall before we finished and we still had the show to get back to, and so
it was that 5 of us escorted Sue back to the show, or so we thought. As I
knew the roads, I volunteered to lead the way back, but within minutes of
setting off, Sues quick fix failed and she had to stop again, something I
failed to notice, and I carried on, sorry again Sue!!! (The RAC were
eventually called out and did another temporary repair and Sue arrived about
an hour later) The remaining 5 decided to continue with the run and arrived at
the show some 2 hours later. The lesson learnt here is that next year we will
set off in groups of three and see which group manages the course nearest the
measured distance.
Once all the cars had reassembled back at the show, it was out with the
sponges and car shampoo for the usual clean up. This was Gary's first showing
of his new front nose (See Picture), an item he had spent a number of days
fitting and was justifiably proud of his efforts. Those who have not been
mentioned yet who also turned up were:- Jane Forshaw, Mark and Sharon, Linda
Mclean, Pete Chadwick, Froggy, Phil Taylor, John Redmond, Chris Johnson, Ged
Armour, Geoff Watkinson, Jim Leddon, Tim Moss, Graham Crook and ReaLM.
As this show was run by the MG Owners club, the appearance of Japanese 80's
sports cars was met with a few curious glances but we felt welcome enough.
The majority of the exhibits were pre 60's but this show has the potential of
becoming much larger, especially has it is now in larger grounds. This will
become the NW's final large show of each year and we all look forward to next
year when I have been told there will be more clubs and stalls attending.
RYAN KEVAN
