Such is the nature of the Gatherings now, that we become very confident of a massive turnout when the weather is fine and dry. That was the case for our June Gathering on 21stJune. June has historically been a good month for the Gatherings, so we were confident and prepared. You did not let us down and we again surpassed our best previous record for attendances.
Having been a little surprised at the numbers that showed in May, we decided to adopt a more compact parking regime for cars and bikes, and it seems to have worked as we had more vehicles than in May but still had capacity in reserve. Let’s see how that aspect turns out in July!
We had about 150 motor cycles turn up. Quite a few more classics than usual and supported by a large contingent of more modern bikes. Again we are seeing some great machines that have not visited us before – and long may it continue.
We had similar parking considerations for the number of cars that attended. We counted over 450 vehicles into the car parks – and that does not include motor bikes. More of the cars that turned up this month were classics and we estimate that there were nearly 200. Besides the usual array of rare, interesting and sometimes spectacular cars spanning all the way back to the early 1900’s, we were graced with the presence of 2 American Tractor trucks. These were of great fascination for many junior Gatherers and the sheer size of them (see photos) left us wondering just how they managed to actually get in through our width constrained gates – but they did and we are pleased.
As regards the vehicles there are just too many to call out for a mention, but take a look at the pictures. Come along to the next meeting on July 19thand get a first-hand view of the vehicles. Come early as it does get a little congested – but we’ll get you in.
One of the things we do at each Gathering is hold a modest raffle. It’s only £1 a ticket and the raffle is a major contributor to our profits and thus the Air Ambulance. We consider that the Gathering is good value for money (after all its only £1 per vehicle to come in) so spending £1 or so on raffle tickets does support the Air Ambulance. Please do support it. Oh, and one last plea to attendees – no more out of date old £1 coins please. Quite a few got past our raffle seller and whilst it is possible to get them cashed – we’d rather you did it, so thanks in advance for your consideration.
Finally – a big thank you to all the volunteers who helped us on the day, whether before, during or after the event. Whether marshalling the vehicles, collecting gate money, selling raffle tickets, selling hot food, cakes or teas and coffees, we thank you for your continued support as the Gathering just wouldn’t be what it is today without you!
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