A "Wheely" Good Day

17^th July – a ‘Wheels’ to remember 

One of the hottest days on record provided one of the best Wheels on record. Initial results indicate that we are matching 2019 with at least £28,000 for donation to local charities, and around 3,100 people paying to come through the ticket office, plus 350 under-12s. There were over 1,000 vehicles registered to attend, but a number of exhibitors told us that the heat would prevent them from coming, which is quite understandable and we look forward to seeing them next year. 

We knew it was going to be a good year when the queue at the ticket office meant we had to open two further ticket windows for cash-only payments, in addition to the three we usually have, which this year were taking cards as well as cash. Yes, Wadebridge Rotary has stepped into the 21^st Century for payments. Good job we did - £10,000 of the takings was by card. 

Dog bowls were put out at the water standpipes dotted around the show ground and quite a few people asked if the water was drinkable for humans too. (Yes, it is.) 

Stewards took their places by 7am. Team leader Nigel Davey had developed a new ‘zone’ system with five zones defining the layout of the site, so stewards were responsible for a zone rather than a category of vehicles, which worked well and can be built on for next year. Clive and Yvonne Robinson, with the help of Stuart Hutchison’s printer friend, created and set up individual signs for each vehicle classification – guidance on parking that was appreciated by exhibitors. 

John Young described it as a relaxing fun day for all the family to wander around the exhibits and reported exhibitors’ views that it was a relaxing, well-organised show that they love attending and can’t wait to come again. 

Pasty-runner Wayne Mitchell kept volunteers stoked at lunchtime. Water-boy Tim Jones kept us hydrated with bottles of water from the fridge in the Rotary Information tent. Elizabeth Davey took dozens of photos, a few of which are here. 

Thanks to all our exhibitors and visitors, not to mention traders, caterers and entertainers. Thanks, too, to all the people who worked on the show, both Wadebridge Rotary members and many other volunteers. Couldn’t do it without you. Finally, thanks to the Wheels team for organising it all. 

More details on the show to come, including award winners and finalisation of the finances.  

Next Years Wheels will be held on Sunday 16th July 2023.   Book the date!

Photos by Elizabeth Davey:   Report by Kevin Smith