The Westbury Transport and Vintage Gathering saw hundreds of petrol heads come together from across the country to see a variety of vintage cars, military vehicles, stationary engines, tractors, bikes, and motorbikes at the top field of Bratton last weekend.
The event is a permanent part of the local calendar, and organiser Keith Miller has been working behind the scenes to make the gathering a reality for 27 years.
Keith said, “This is an event that I think a lot of exhibitors and local people look forward to as there is a good mix of classic favourites, but always with something slightly different for people to enjoy. We had to take a two-year break due to Covid restrictions, but the event last year and this year shows that people did not forget about us!
“The turnout is always good, and this year was no exception. We focus more on having a happy crowd rather than a big crowd, but it’s so nice to see so many people come out to enjoy the day. One of the new additions this year is a lovely cream coach from 1969 which has caught the eye of quite a few people.”
Owner of the coach, Simon Smart said, “I’ve brought along a 1969 coach which is based on a Bristol chassis, a relatively local manufacturer who used to manufacture for all the public sector bus companies until they were privatised in the 70s – after this they became part of British Leyland who unfortunately shut them all down. It’s a lovely vehicle, it absolutely floats along the road and can get to some real speeds if you’re brave enough.”
Keith added that the key to the show’s 27 year-long success is letting visitors get as close to displays as they would like to, charging as small a fee as possible, and reducing all ‘red tape’ – all while following the relevant safety precautions.
“Our unique selling point is that we are very hands on; we let people get in amongst the displays,” he explained. “We try to stay as accessible as possible and keep the price down so that everyone can come if they want to. One thing we can guarantee here is that everybody’s exhibit here is the best you’ll see in its category, as they are put on by people who truly care and love what they do.”
Returning to the event this year was Richard Dalton, who is the organiser of the annual White Horse Military Show – an immersive living museum event that brings history to life through over 40 living history groups, a variety of displays from different time periods, vintage traders, military vehicles, and plenty of live music. This year’s event will take place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August, near Keevil airfield. For more information follow White Horse Military Show on Facebook.
