WADEBRIDGE WHEELS 2017

WHEELS 2017 AND ROSE-TINTED GLASSES?  I DON’T THINK SO!

Wheels 2017 took place up at the Royal Cornwall Show Ground on Sunday 16 July, marred only by a light(ish) mizzle in the morning – soon forgotten by all shortly after lunch – do I kid myself or is memory really beginning to deteriorate?

Actually, if we look for a moment at some of the feedback comments received very soon after the event, it seems most would think it had been the almost perfect day:

* “We were welcomed with open arms, and had a great day regardless of the weather, well done to everyone involved for putting on another great show, looking forward to seeing you all again next year.”

* “Thank you so much for a great day. I am sure our Ford Pop enjoyed being admired too. The warm welcome from all the Rotary Stewards made us feel part of the Wheels family.  Thank you for the 2018 date (Sunday 15 July).  Firmly in the diary!”

* “Fantastic event. Congratulations to all involved. An incredible experience for everyone.”

* “Thanks for a great show.”

* “That has been the friendliest Car Show we have ever attended.”

* “What a fantastic location to hold such a Show.”

Winning entrants this year are:

* Best Commercial – (Sponsor, Cornish Insurance) – Mr Andrew Marks with his Austin Commercial vehicle 

* Best pre-1960 (Sponsor, Concorde Copiers) - Mr John Blick and his MG ‘Y’ 1947 -

* Best post 1960 (Sponsor, Bridge Bistro) – Mr Anthony Gribbin with his Morris Minor, including period newspapers and picnic basket

* Best Motorcycle (Sponsor, Mid Cornwall Brokers) – Mr Tom Irons with his Honda CBX 1000 (1979)

* Best Stationery Engine (Sponsor, Bricknells Stationery) – Mr Rodney Jones with his Lister L 5 HP

*       Best Show (Sponsor, Parnalls Solicitors Limited) - Mr John Stacey-Hibbert with his Vauxhall 1440 Princeton Tourer"

Wadebridge Rotary Club – event organisers – were delighted the day went so well.  Not only a record number of Exhibitors (1350 – so a special thanks must go to Ian Thurtle as Registrations ‘tsar’), big numbers of adults through the Gate (circa 2300) and accompanied children (circa 400), support from the likes of Donna Birrell/Jo Twist of BBC Radio Cornwall (an interview was made possible to help promote Wheels 2017 on the previous day) all Club members – current and a few past - (they all played their part and were assisted by representatives from MIND Restormel Association for Mental Health, friends of Rotary, Air Cadets) and as a result a huge sum – over £20,000 – has been raised for local Charities, Projects and Organisations.

Now the pleasurable part of the process begins as Club members develop a list of local causes to support this coming year.  More will be released as soon as this is finalised and funds begin to be distributed.

Wheels Chairman, Stuart Hutchison, has also added his thoughts on the day: “Wheels seemed to work extremely well this year, in spite of the ‘mizzle’ and I would particularly like to thank the Davey Boys (Clowns extraordinaire) and the Fire Brigade for their excellent demonstration in the Parade Ring; talking of which my congratulations to all the ‘winners’ of Awards (as above) and heartfelt thanks to Tim Michell who performed his Parade Ring commentator role all day with his usual aplomb – and extraordinarily wide knowledge of vehicles that appeared in front of him without prior warning!  I should also like to say yet another huge thank you to the Royal Cornwall Showground – it is simply the best location we could possibly wish for.  So, it’s well done to all and thanks to all who gave Wheels 2017 a superb 21st birthday!”

A rose-tinted recollection of a great day, a happy day in Wadebridge?  Never!!

If you want to see more event photos,there are others on facebook (Wadebridge Rotary or Wadebridge Wheels) added by Exhibitors and members of the public.

Report by Graham Renwick