Hundreds of visitors flocked to Kingswood’s largest event of the year on Saturday, the annual Show Day, organised by Kingswood Village Association (KVA).
The event was officially opened by King Toby Palmer and Queen Rosie Heeley, recently crowned at the Coronation celebrations, who arrived in style in a vintage open top Triumph. New Generation dancers provided an entertaining performance in the arena, and Punch and Judy and a magic show in the marquee proved to be as popular as ever.
Canines of all shapes and sizes took part in the Fun Dog Show, and there was a wide range of craft and games stands, as well as the beer, cider and Prosecco bar, the barbecue and Seb’s Ice Creams. Inside the WI Teas were busy all afternoon and KVA estimate to have raised around £3,500. Any profits raised from KVA events are used for the benefit of the community.
The quality of the exhibits in the produce and handicraft show was excellent, and the village hall was bedecked with pictures produced by playgroup and Kingswood Primary school children.
The Kingswood Village Association (KVA) is a voluntary not-for-profit organisation run by a small committee of volunteers. Anyone interested in getting involved can email chair@thekva.co.uk.
The classic car show has been part of the Show Day for decades and this year saw 180 entries of cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.
Car show organiser Mike Cromie said: “Kingswood was yet again truly graced by some exceptional and amazing cars, some having travelled a considerable distance to join us. The entries were up again on last year, which considering that we compete on the same date with three other classic car shows is a credit to the village show.
“The judges had 10 classes to judge and a hard task in deciding their preferred choice, commenting afterwards how challenging it had been to choose a winner with such a range of high-quality classic cars entered.
“The show is becoming a popular choice by the classic car owners with comments being relayed to the organisers such as ‘such a friendly atmosphere’ and ‘always something to see and listen to’.
“The comment that had a profound impact upon the organiser this year was from one of the classic car clubs – ‘we didn’t quite know what to expect as it was our first time entering the show as a club. What a truly well-organised, friendly and efficient show with an amazing atmosphere. Don’t change a thing’.”
Results
Winner Era 1900 -39: Steven Sage from Chipping Sodbury with his 1927 Donnet G2 Torpedo Deluxe; judge Gordon Phillips.
Winner Era 1940-59: Peter and Pam Lodge from Berkeley in their 1948 Triumph Roadster 2000 owned from new and Peter’s first ever car and still driving it today in his eighties; judge Anthony Kersley.
Era 1960-70: The Class was so big that it was split in to two groups 1960-1965.
Winner Group 1: Tony Alden from Lechlade in his Austin Healey 3000 Mark 2 built in 1962.
Winner Group 2: 1966-70: Andrew Hares form Taynton, in his 1968 Volvo Amazon, a previous winner at this show 5 years ago; judge Nick James
Era 1971 – 1983: Andrew Hares from Wantage with his 1979 Ford RS 2000. Andrew came the furthest to join us at the show; judge Geoff Barr.
Era 1984 – 2023: Peter Hatton from Cromhall in his 1985 Mercedes 230 CE; judge Trevor Delahaye.
American Cars: Colin Rogers from Chipping Sodbury in his highly desirable 1937 Packard 120 Convertible.
Best Commercial vehicle: John Dunn from Swindon with his immaculate Austin A35 Van in Green and cream company livery built in 1960.
Best Military: a local winner coming from Kingswood with his 1955 Austin Champ Cargo Military.
Best Motorcycle: Rob Boulton from Dursley with his 1953 Norton 500 T.
Best Club Stand: The American Cars Stand with 12 entries, judged by Rod Alexander.
Best Exhibitors Vote: Kevin Huggins from Weston Super Mare with his 1960 Vauxhall Cresta PA 160.
Best Public Vote: Bryan Price from Downend Bristol with his 1959 Ford Consul.
Best in Show: the oldest car entered the 1927 Donnet Torpedo Luxe owned by Stephen sage from Chipping Sodbury. Judged by the previous organiser and creator of Kingswood Classic Car Show for 38 years – Rod Alexander.
Pictures by Matt Bigwood and Rich Kelsey
