SHOW REPORT 2008
Classic Ford Show grows in attendance

Despite a sprinkling of rain and a few adjustments to the layout, this year's Classic Ford Show on Sunday June 1 grew in both attendance and stature.

The campsite was, shall we say, 'a little damp', but this didn't stop the hardy hordes of classic Ford lovers enjoying an evening of superb entertainment on the Saturday night and the classic Ford pub quiz, which was won by Mr. Wakeham, Mr. Fryser, Mr. Watkins and Mr. Bufton - you are truly experts in the knowledge of old Fords!

Sunday was just a couple pints and a packet of BBQ sausages away though, and with it came the awesome mix of old Fords taking their positions on the tarmac at the top of the strip. This year's clubs really put the effort in and it was a very hard choice for the judges to choose the best club stand. After much deliberation the winner emerged as the Works Team, so the kudos is yours, along with a whopping £500 off next year's stand at the show.

The strip, as always, was rammed all weekend and with some excellent demo cars leading the charge we saw some really impressive times. The class winners were announced at 3 pm at the Classic Ford stand and were as follows:

Class A under-1600 NA - Jamie Stoker - Mk1I Escort

Class B1600-1999 NA - Toby Cummings - MkI Cortina

Class C 2000-2999 NA - Andy Harris - MkI Escort

Class D 3000 and over NA - Brian Nixon - Ford Anglia

Class E All forced induction - Kevin William Warn - Escort RS2000

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Running for the second year was the Pride of Ownership competition, which was contested in decades. The winners who received a host of prizes, including two free tickets to Ford Fair at Silverstone on August 3 and a valeting pack from Meguiars.

Winning the pre-60s category was Richard Berry with his Black MkII Consul V8, the 60s was won by Justin Hinchcliffe with his MkI Escort van, the 70s saw Mr Dyckhoff walk away with the prize with his Blue MkI Granada four-door, and the 80s was won by Tony Downes with his Gold Capri V8.

Over on the grass (read mud!) we had the London Rally School putting the Escorts through their paces. After learning the skills riding shotgun in the MkIIs, passengers were then allowed to take their own metal out on track as they battled for quickest time of the day, with Joe Newberry coming out on top with the fastest time on the day. He won a half-day course in the art of rally driving at the school.

Finally, the winner of the best club car saw Andrew Clarke from the Lancashire Capri Club take the honours in his superb White Capri.

So, with the total attendance figures up 12 per cent on last year the show is going from strength to strength. Let's hope that next year the weather gods are kind to us on the run-up to the show.

I would like to thank everyone who camped on Saturday night for the patience they showed in a testing situation - you are a credit to your thriving scene. Classic Ford magazine will be running its show report in the next issue, which is out on July 1 - so don't miss it!

As for 2009, all I can say is... bring it on!

Grant Norris
Show Manager