This year almost saw the Brit-Cars rally cancelled as the usual organisers, Tony & Dawn Palmer, had decided to get married and didn't have the time to commit to the event. However, Southmids Sportsters stepped in at the last minute to ensure it went ahead. After all, this was it's fifth year and at least one of our members had attended every one of them!

Unlike last year's event, we were blessed with brilliant sunshine and a comfortable temperature in which to run about the field. Again, the event was raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation - a charity that makes wishes happen for sick and terminally ill children - and this was done through a raffle, an auction, a self-judging 'pride of ownership' contest and of course donations made in the pots on the day. We were lucky to have a wonderful first prize of a gent's Citizen watch worth nearly £300 donated by Fraser Hart through one of our members, Mike Oldroyd.

Of the cars that attended the show,  those of note included an immaculate black TF1500, which seems to be following us about recently, a Lotus Elan and a rather nice TVR that went on to win the 'Car of the Show'.

The display of Southmids Sportsters members' cars was quite impressive too. We had quite a few guests to our stand and the cars stretched around the side of the field. I would like to thank those members who joined me in the organisation duties. It seems that this event is likely to become our official annual gathering as Tony and Dawn, now SmS members themselves, have said they are happy for us to continue helping with the rally organisation.

We all had a great day, despite numbers being down this year which we feel is a result of the announcement that the event was to be cancelled at the beginning of the year. The auction made a good amount with items ranging from three steering wheels and a couple of Aston Martin baseball caps to a selection of towels and shower gel with a chocolate aroma!

See you at Wicksteed Park again next year!
 

Richard Stone