Rotating Wheels Rally and Car Show - July 2023

The Rotary Club of West Lakeland held their sixth annual Rotating Wheels Rally and car show at Gosforth, Cumbria on Sunday 16th August 2023. Very poor weather had dogged show preparations, but the (Gosforth Old show) field grass was trimmed to perfection, fencing, signage and of course the marquees were erected between showers.

A deluge on the night prior to the event led to some entries not risking potential bad weather the following day. However, the Rotary gods smiled on us and event day dawned on good Cumbria weather enabling the one hundred or so entries to start converging on the field for eight o'clock onwards.

A tractor trundle around local lanes left at 8am and eventually rejoined the many cars, motorcycles and stationary engines that had arrived and were displayed on the show field. Trade stalls, craft displays, coffee, ice-cream and beer were also available for the hundreds of paying visitors to enjoy.

The main marquee housed our own Inner Wheel ladies who did a sterling job of preparing for sale, sausage and bacon baps, and a huge selection of cakes.

Musical entertainment throughout the day was provided by a fellow Carlisle Rotarian.

Judging was completed, a difficult task with such a wonderfully wide variety and age of vehicles on show. Prize-giving was hosted by our local MP, Trudy Harrison, drawing the show to a perfect finale in the late afternoon. Following the prize-giving, a cheque to the value of £9,350 raised from the previous year's show, was presented to the Great North Air Ambulance.

This year's show once more proved a financial success and the proceeds will benefit our chosen charities of Hospice at Home West Cumbria, and Blood Bikes, as well as other local charities.

Of course, planning for next year's event on Sunday 2st July 2024, has already started! See you there.