Ever so slightly.
The event, in its 24th year, was almost cancelled last year. The committee is small at around 8 core people. Some of the committee have been working on the festival since close to the time when it began, and to further exasperate problems we don't really get any help from the local council in staging the event - although they're happy to add it to their reasons for people to visit the area.
Last year my dad was responding to an article in the paper, suggesting that the event could be scrapped. He mentioned it to me, and I said I'd help out. I'd had no previous knowledge in classic cars, etc, before other than that passed down by my dad who is an avid bus enthusiast.
We joined the committee in early April 2007, and there were still no vehicle entries whatsoever. We quickly got to work, and managed to scrape together 130 vehicles. This year we decided to start early in December. We sent vehicle passes and details of the event to over 500 car clubs, every transport related museum in the UK and everyone who has exhibited at the event over the past 4 years, as well as visiting other shows to drum up support. Thanks to this, we're 6 weeks off and just passing the 200 vehicles mark.
Last year, Sheila Dibnah got in touch with some suggestions about Fred who, as far as I am aware, attended the event on numerous occassions. I believe Sheila did attend the event last year, but felt that it would be nice if the event could be dedicated to Fred this year to coincide with the unveiling of the statue of Fred. It was Sheila who suggested that Betsy might be able to attend, and we had provisionally arranged transport in case this was viable. Betsy also features on the commemorative brass rally plaques this year.
As far as the event goes, it's not a traditional one at all. It's not a steam fair, it's not specifically a car show. It's an amazing family day out. The massive variety of vehicles that really does interest me and the members of the public, making it an amazing family day out. Working with the organisers over the last year, at such a young age and just before I am going to disappear to University, has been an amazing experience and I've learnt so much. I've been boring my friends with the running commentary on what's coming to the event; it really has been a huge part of my life this year. This hopefully pays off when people notice that I've been adding my own touch to the event too, such as persuading owners of Limosuines, a Replica "Del Boy" Van, DeLorean DMC-12 and a 16-foot tall limosuine to bring their attractions to the event. Not only that, but I have helped to secure the presence of a small passenger hovercraft which will be giving rides out to sea...
The three traction engines (or steam rollers, as one member of the committee pointed out) that have been promised by Fred's old friends would be stunning in themselves. It'd probably be the most of these vehicles we've had attend in one year and I'm chuffed that they've shown an interest... whether Betsy will be able to make it or not, it's quite a big thing for us. And let's not forget that Sheila will be there too chatting to the public.
Sorry for the long post, but hopefully it makes what I admit was a bit of shameless promotion of our event into something a little bit more personal for you all.