Classic car event becomes a classic
By Andrew Fawkes - 09/09/2008
Depending upon which titles you read, classic cars are usually about 20 to 30 years old, with Vintages being circa pre-1930 and veteran pre-1910. Consequently the ‘classic’ group is getting bigger every year.
It’s no surprise then that classic car events are also growing, in number at least. Some are even growing in stature, like the annual Silverstone Classic and Goodwood Revival featured in these pages in recent weeks.
Aside from these ‘mega events’, there are a plethora of lesser-known local events, some having been around for over 30 years.
One such gathering is the Thornfalcon Classic Car Meeting which enjoyed its 32nd outing this September. It started with 10 friends, half a dozen interesting cars and a Somerset village pub (and car park). That was 1977: the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee street parties, Red Rum’s third Grand National win and the death of Elvis, allegedly.
“The idea to repeat it the following year has never foundered," says founder Gary Dickens. “After the third or fourth meeting, we outgrew our pub car park and moved to larger ‘premises.' One year, the traffic was so clogged that the local police came along. At first we were worried about being in trouble, but they just rolled up their sleeves and started directing traffic. That was a great help… the pep talk about better traffic planning came afterwards!”
The meeting is now at its fourth location, the huge village playing fields at Hatch Beauchamp near Taunton which last year saw attendee vehicles top 1,000 for the first time.
I spoke to first timers, Bob & Ginny Sackley, who drive a very smart red Triumph TR4a and were impressed by the event: “We’ve been meaning to come for years, and have been surprised by the number and range of vehicles – from bikes to trailers and vintage Bentleys and Bugattis to modern exotica like the Aston Martin N400 and GT40 replica. We also love the relaxed atmosphere – no competitions, no fee, just turn up, park, have a picnic and a look around and then leave with a donation to charity and a cheery wave from the organisers."
Naturally enough, the local hostelries also support and enjoy the event, offering discounts for pub lunches or setting up the on-site bar. There’s also now an army of volunteer marshals who keep coming back simply because their role is so appreciated.
Whilst there is no fee to enter for vehicles or spectators, the local scout troop gently agitate some buckets for odd change to help their community work.
Gary’s real skill is in keeping all these interested parties happy, and apparently so effortlessly. Having been immersed in motoring all his life - he was for 35 years the Aston Martin Owners Club representative for Somerset, although to look at him he must have started when he was about 10! – means that he has both the contacts and the depth of knowledge required to make it look so effortless. No doubt there’s a lot of work behind the scenes too.
The Thornfalcon Classic Car Meeting really is about as informal as such events get, the locals and the police are happy, and of course so are the hundreds of motoring fans who turn up every year.
Does Gary realise that he has started a classic classic event? “It’s more of a good idea that got out of hand, but in a nice way,” he concedes.
Long may it continue.
To find out more call Gary Dickens on 01823 444500 or look him up at the link below.