The new venue allowed for public parking in one field and the show and refreshments in a separate field. Access from a straight main road with visiting cars not having to queue and pay worked well and there was negligible queueing on the road. All visitors paid as they entered the showground again much easier than at the Bodiam recreation ground. Overall, Park Farm proved to be an ideal venue for getting people into the show. As an exhibitor said to me, “Driving in from Tenterden the ground looked just like a mini county show”.

Sadly there were morning showers which may have kept exhibitors and visitors away but none the less there were 370 vehicles old classics, newer classics, military and commercial on display; even Happy Harold, the old Hastings Trolley bus joined in the proceedings. Only one of the 50 or so stall holders didn’t turn up and we had late entries for the stalls and autojumble; traders reported sales from slow to “I’m more than happy”.

Entertainment was again top flight with sessions from the Cinque Ports Lindy Hoppers, the Victory sisters and the Rockitmen. The kids enjoyed the slides, carousels and train.

We were concerned that the highlight, well several hundred feet, of the day would be able to come. But the cloud cover was high enough for the appearance and fly-by of a WWll Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Squadron which circle the ground three times. Andy the pilot said the show looked brilliant.

I spoke to all stall holders through the day, to car owners and visitors. The main response was that they liked and were very complimentary about the venue and would certainly come again and recommend the show to others. Comments were constructive with only an odd criticism – all matters that can be addressed in future years.

The main local good causes to benefit through the Rotary Club of Senlac Trust Fund from the money raised are Bexhill Caring Community, Martha Trust, The Net Foundation (Pancreatic Care) and Senlac Rotary’s Yellowmen. Other good causes will benefit throughout the coming year

The club is very grateful  to our main sponsors, SLM Nissan,  Lawler Davis Financial Planners Ltd,  Fitzgraham Solicitors and  Westridge Construction.

Dave Miles, Car Show Organiser for the Rotary Club of Senlac, was overwhelmed at the end of the day, “I’m ecstatic, I’m really impressed with the new site everything went so well and there have been so many good comments about it. This first year here has been a learning year and we will be looking at how we can make things better in coming years. I’m so grateful to Park Farm for allowing us to use the fields and for all the help they have given. I’d also like to thank the many helpers, The Adventure Scouts, Hastings Sea Cadets, the 1066 Marshalls, St John’s Ambulance, Rotarians, family, friends and everyone who did so much. We couldn’t have done it without them. Considering the weather we raised a brilliant amount today. Thank you too to all our sponsors, the Classic Car owners, stall holders and the public for their support. I look forward to welcoming everyone next year.

Next Year’s Classic Car Show and Craft Fayre will be held on Father’s Day, Sunday, 21st June 2020 This will be our 28th show.

Some other quotes from the day:-

 Nick Ledger of Bexhill who came with a Cortina GT Mark 1 said, ”I’ve been coming for a few years and this site is much better to get into and we have a lot more room”.

Bruce MacPhee from Mountfield had brought a Trojan personnel carrier and his wife a Morris Traveller was impressed, “It’s a lot better here, we’ve got much more room. It’s a good show.”.

Geoff and Alex who run the “Around the Garden Table” stall were very happy with the show, “We’ve been coming for several years and this new site is very nice, it’s spacious and the people who come here are lovely. It’s unfortunate about the weather so things have been a bit slower this year.”

Mandy Ashenden from Fairlight was at the show with her husband, daughter and 4-year old twin granddaughters, Piper and Scarlett Dawkins. “It’s a much bigger and better place and the show is a great family day out. We’ve been coming for a few years, my husband loves the cars and I love the music there’s something for everyone in the family”.

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