UK Pick-Up and Van Nationals Event 2010 Report

It was a nail biting week weather wise but I continued to promise everyone that I had booked good weather for Sunday and so I had! After torrential rain on the Saturday we were rewarded with a warm, dry day and even the sun came out now and again.

Our second show was primarily designed to attract as big a variety of Pick-Ups, vans and commercial vehicles as possible and we were not disappointed. We had everything from classic Standard Vanguards to Hot Rodded Chevy trucks; customised Ford Transits to American Day vans; a gorgeous clean looking classic Mini pick-up to an incredible 1961 VW pick-up which the owner, "Swamp" said "speaks for herself". My personal favourite moment was when I first laid eyes on the sight of the Monster pick-up trucks parked next to the tiny blue Reliant Robin which has been converted to a camper van! Check out http://www.clevercaptures.com/Cars/Clapham-Classic-Events/Pick-Up-and-Van-Standard
for photos of many of the vehicles to see the incredible range of vehicles and our gallery for the flavour of the day.

Once again, visitors to the Museums were astounded by what must be Bedfordshire's best kept secret. The detailed and comprehensive display of World War 2 artefacts and vehicles fascinated many and those who ventured a little further into the venue were rewarded with the Fire Service Museum, The WAAF billet and a genuine air raid shelter. The museums volunteers were again impressed with "our people", who showed a genuine interest in their weekend passion and made the helpers day most enjoyable. The family museum quiz was deservedly won by Wyatt Gardner whose eagle eyes only missed two clues.

There was plenty of time left over for everyone to "chillax" and many did. Meanwhile some of the children entered the colouring competition, the pictures being of cars and trucks, obviously. The winners were Sam Fairhurst, Sadie Davies and William C from Boxmoor.

Dave, Paul and I enjoyed our day chatting to so many of you and we'd like to thank all the individuals and clubs for joining us at Twinwood. Thank you also for the great feedback. Kev and Mish Clark from Wisbech summed up their day "…liked the fact there are no trophies to be won, but a fantastic glass memento to everybody that attended in a pick up/van, spent all day just milling around chatting, with the bonus everything was in old buildings, scattered around and in real life settings…had a really nice day out, everything was just right and all you needed, reasonably priced food, beer, rods, music, like minded people just chilling, will be putting this on my calendar for next year…" This is what we had hoped to achieve!

We hope to see you again and some new faces too on the 5th September for our End of Season Get Together.

Lesley Brown

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