Just three weeks ago, no-one was sure the 13th Haslemere Classic Car Show could go ahead. After weeks of rain, Lion Green was a swamp!
But the sun came out and Sunday, May 28 was a glorious late spring day, and Haslemere rose to the occasion and descended on the Green on four wheels or foot.
First thing on Sunday morning around 100 cars gathered for a morning drive before the show.
After a breakfast chatting to old and new friends, cars from six decades set off on a 55 mile drive through Tilford, Frensham and Binsted to a coffee halt at Indigo Blue Car Storage.
All the participants seemed to enjoy the drive and the beautiful scenery on such a lovely morning.
Back on Lion Green a traditional village fete had been set up, offering a varied collection of quality stalls with arts and crafts, vintage, food and drink and representation from local organisations.
Haslewey produced some magnificent teas enjoyed while listening to the Coastline Jazz Band.
Children played on amusements or even got to touch a snake or a bug!
The middle of the Green soon filled up with an array of more than 200 classics on display for all to admire.
The good weather brought people from far and wide and soon the Green was buzzing with excitement as people spotted the cars their families used to drive.
One of the days highlights is the Best Dressed Car and Crew – a fun competition with owners encouraged to dress to match their cars. With outfits from perfect period detail to fun and quirky, there was certainly lots of variety.
Town mayors past and present, Brian Howard and Jerome Davidson, enjoyed chatting to entrants and making a very difficult decision but in the end selected some worthy winners.
In third place the 1956 Mercury Montclair, owned by David Dibbley, who fitted the part in his original 1950s American attire. Second place went to Terry and Carole Burns in his 1934 Austin 10/4 which he has owned for 55 years.
The winner was the fabulous Jean Digby-Smith who certainly looked the part with her Classic Citroen DS from 1972.
Haslemere’s new mayor Jerome Davidson said: “It was a glorious spring day with so many lovingly-maintained classic cars, lots of stalls and lovely food – what a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
“I thought so – and it would seem half of Haslemere thought so too. The classic car show goes from strength to strength and I do hope it continues to do so.”
Visitors could also vote for "the car they would like to take home” in the peoples choice competition.
While the votes were spread far and wide, the results at the end of the day were: In third place Terry Burns in his Austin 10/4, in second was Simon Freemantle in his Fiat 500 and, in first place the car that had ’boys’ from 5-95 grinning from ear to ear – Dave Melton’s Felday Two, a unique European Hillclimb car originally built in 1960 with a great history and famous names such as Jack Brabham involved in it’s development.
From time to time Dave kindly started it up so people could experience the sound of the Daimler V8 Supercharged engine.
The show is free for visitors to enjoy and is supported by local business and individuals. The show is part of the Haslemere Festival who put on many of the town's events and is organised by James Ewing, a Haslemere-based classic car restorer, helped by his partner graphic designer Jane Puttock.
After the event James commented: “After all the rain we never thought we’d get here but the sun, cars and the people came out and created such a wonderful atmosphere. It’s great that we can give an amazing day to the local community and raise money for other events in the town. It takes a lot of time and effort to put on the show but worth it when we see so many happy people, there really is something for everyone to enjoy!"
The Haslemere Classic Car Show would like to thanks all the supporters, volunteers, the very hard working 1268 (Haslemere) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets and all the fabulous people of Haslemere who supported us on the day.
The winning ‘Lucky Programme' numbers were 1028, 1034, 1110, 1138, 1151, 1201, 1205, 1239, 1396, 1333, 1532, 1584 – contact [email protected] to claim your prize.