I accepted an invitation to exhibit at what promised to be a good two-day show, in the grounds of the historic country estate. Unfortunately day one was a little disappointing. Firstly, the camping was a long way from the show area, which is never ideal.
Secondly, we had a bad turn out from both exhibitors and the public. The beer tent was empty and stallholders were complaining about an abysmal day’s business.
The term “Rural Show” was a bit misleading. They should have just called it a vintage tractor show, since there wasn’t much else on display connecting it with rural life.
Mine was one of only three classic cars on display on day one, along with just an MGB GT (belonging to a family member of mine) and a Land Rover Series III. A classic 1930s livestock lorry came in to make up the numbers. But four vehicles in an arena is a little embarrassing for any show.
Things didn’t get any better later on when the rain set in. The first time my car has been out and about in sustained bad weather for many decades I suspect. I wasn’t pleased about that, I could almost sense the rust starting to bubble up!
The second day was a little better, the weather held out and a few more cars turned out. There was a delightful 1962 Mini Traveller, a concours condition 1984 Mercedes 280SL, plus a Rover 75 P3 and an Austin A70 from the 1950s.
First time I’ve seen a car break down in the arena. It was the Land Rover.
Plus I picked up a scale model of my car on a stall. Correct colour, wheels, bumpers and grille!
Will I go next year? I’m not sure, depends if they decide to advertise it properly next time.
