THE Westbury Transport and Vintage Gathering celebrated its 30th anniversary last month, with enthusiasts coming from across the county to see the wide range of vintage cars, military vehicles, stationary engines, tractors, bikes and motorbikes.
Event organiser Keith Miller said, “This year we have had quite a number of rare and special items. For example, we were treated to a pretty unique Raleigh three-wheel car, a brilliant, unique Austin Seven tractor, a range of horticultural machinery and a number of very special rollers – not to mention some really smart cars, commercials and an impressive Dennis fire engine.
“This year is a special year for us as we enter our third decade. Our first gathering was held on the car auction site behind the Westbury Railway Station on 23rd April 1995. Although we don’t give out any gold cups, we do award the Charlotte Memorial Shield to someone who has made a particular effort to support the gathering. This year, Charlotte’s shield was passed to Andy Pople for his magnificent collection.
“We call ourselves a gathering because it enables us to meet together in order to catch up with old times and to discuss our various mechanical problems which have arisen since our last meeting and there is no element of competition between us. It is interesting that we do seem to coalesce into a series of informal groups: the stationary engine people, the tractor men, the commercial men and women, and the car specialists, but each of these groups move around like protozoa from one area to another, all meeting up with our important traders in the refreshment tent and at our free Saturday night barbecue.
“Many of our people are regular guests, and all seem to know their regular pitch-up places without need for direction and so we don’t walk around wearing Hi-Viz jackets giving out diktats. All exhibitors join us free of charge. We do charge adult visitors £2 which is the same charge we have made since our first gathering, and there is no parking fee. We are keen to encourage youngsters to take an interest in our hobby and they, irrespective of age, are free.
“We do not set out to make a profit from the gathering since we recognise that owners have to spend a fair amount of cash in preserving and bringing their items and many families are hard pressed financially. We measure our success by what people say and how they interact with each other. From that point of view, the gathering was a huge success. From a financial point of view, we, at £2 per head, have made enough cash to enable us to pay all our bills and have a little in the kitty for next year.
“As a result of owning our field, we can already announce that our next year gathering will take place on the Top Field at Bratton on Saturday April 26 and Sunday April 27th in 2025. Don’t forget the Saturday bus service to the gate.”
