Classic Cars: punny headlines, good news

Big crowd drawn to May fiesta

Parking was at a premium around Herne Bay on Saturday but for once no one was complaining. The town was swamped with vehicles as motorists flocked to take part in a classic car rally and show off their gleaming machines. Organisers also staged plenty of entertainment to keep visitors amused, including May Day morris dancing and live music. Coastal towns manager Chris West said:

"There was such a wide selection and I was delighted with the turnout. Classic car owners are notorious for not wanting to turn up if there is a spot of rain, but we had a full house. The feedback from people has been excellent, and the entertainment was a success because there really was something for everyone to enjoy"

 The cars and motorbikes were parked all around the town centre, and visitors also flocked to the cafes and restaurants, giving them a bank holiday boost. Chris added:

"The idea of an event like this is to give people a good experience of Herne Bay so they will come back on other occasions."

HB Times 6th May 2010

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Mustangs and Cadillacs make day a Triumph!

They may have been armed with extra shammy leathers, but vehicle owners were not deterred by the threat of rain to miss the increasingly popular Herne Bay Classic Car Show on Saturday. The event was described by coastal towns manager Chris West as the most successful in its five year history, with 212 cars and motorcycles from all over the South East converging on the town centre. He said:

"I really thought the dodgy weather forecast would put a lot of them off because I know they don't like their cars getting wet. So I was surprised and delighted that so many owners turned up and put on a really great show for the people and visitors to Herne Bay"

Several town centre roads including William Street were closed for the show, which included a variety of musical entertainment, from morris dancing to a Sixties pop group and a jazz band. Among the cars were 12 Panthers, a 1918 Model T Ford, a collection of American cars, including Mustangs and Cadillacs and the ever popular Morris Minors, MGs and Triumphs. They were also 40 classic motorbikes, including BSAs and Nortons. Mr West said:

"We had owners from as far away as Surrey, Sussex and Essex so clearly the show is becoming a favourite on the classic car calendar. I think they like the fact that Herne Bay is a nice place to visit and their cars are on hard standing, instead of the muddy fields they sometimes have to park in. I think it's a great way of promoting the town and showing people what we have to offer."

Mr West said that hoteliers and guest house owners were already reporting forward bookings for the summer season which was encouraging. He said:

"I think a lot of people are choosing to holiday in the UK because it is so expensive in the Euro zone."

The next show in the town will be a custom car and motor show on August 21.

HB Gazette 6th May 2010