Shropshire Star

In pictures: Hundreds turn out for Annual Vintage Show in Shrewsbury

Hundreds of engines roared in for an annual event featuring classic cars, motorbikes and tractors.

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The 29th Annual Vintage Show took over West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury for the weekend with vintage vehicles from around the country.

Land Rovers, buses and military vehicles could also be seen at the two-day event, which saw thousands of visitors flock to the show.

There were also Shire horses, The Pony Club, craft and trade stands, fairground rides, food, a bar as well as a number of family activities a children's inflatable quad bike circuit, the Stiperstones Brass and the Wirral Pipe Bands and a rare Ashley's Gallopers Victorian steam-powered carousel.

A vintage machinery auction was held on the Saturday, while the special tractor for the year was the Massey Ferguson tractor.

Mid Shropshire Vintage Club secretary Lance Jackson said: "Judging by the carpark we have done pretty well with numbers.

"We have got lots of attractions this year that are fairly new to us and lots of exhibitors ­– we have got in excess of 1,000 exhibits.

"Some people bring vehicles they have kept in the same condition over the years and some have done them up so much they can sometimes be in better conditions than when they came out of the factory."

One of the exhibitors was Richard Sherratt from Preston Gubbals who showed off two of his own Massey Ferguson Tractors at the event.

Mr Sherratt said he became interested in this model when he worked for Shukers in the 1960s and 70s selling them.

He said: "At the time, Shukers was the main distributor of the tractors in Shropshire and is when I became interested in them.

"Over the past 10 years I began collecting them and now have a number of tractors in my collection, which are over 50 years old, together with a range of rare Massey Ferguson Implements.

"I have refurbished the tractors up to show standard so I can share them with people at events like this Vintage Show."

Charlie Edwards, 64, from Bayston Hill was at the show with his own Massey Ferguson.

He said: "I've only had it three months. Before that it was in a college in Kent used to pull apart and put back together for training.

"We do charity runs and exhibitions and things. This is going well this year. The show has suffered in the years with the weather, so hopefully it can get back on its feet."

The tractor pulling competitions appeared at the show for the second year running organised by the Whitchurch-based Challenger Tractor Pulling Club.

Tractors revved their engines and pulled slate over a number of distances before military vehicles, tanks and lorries then gave displays over the soil moved by the tractor competition.

Club chairman, Richard Haynes, said it was his first year managing the show in the role having previously been show chair.

He said: "A lot of people have been coming round and they all seem to be enjoying themselves.

"We have got lots of action going on all weekend and entertainment in the ring all day.

"It keeps it busy and gives everyone something to watch and look at."

Joffrey Watson, from Much Wenlock, gave a chainsaw wood sculpting display for visitors.

Mr Watson recently finished a carving of rock star Slash for stately home Weston Park and last year appeared on an episode of BBC One's The Instant Gardener producing bespoke pieces for the garden makeover show.

He said: "At 17 I started as an apprentice tree surgeon and did this for many years. I come from an artistic background with my mother being a Royal Academy graduate, so I decided to see what I could do with a chainsaw.

"After starting with a small chair and a couple of wooden mushrooms, I tried carving things a little more elaborate like an owl.

"Luckily the demand grew and I was able to make chainsaw carving my profession. I was absolutely delighted to be asked to give demonstrations at this year's Shropshire Vintage Show.

"I like supporting community events and am looking forward to showcasing my skills and answering any questions from the public."

Les and Carole Hotchkiss, from Broseley, were at the event with their Triumph Dolomite Sprint.

Mr Hotchkiss said: "We have been wandering round ourselves and looking at everything.

"The weather has been good, not too hot and not raining either.

"It is the interest that keeps people coming back, looking at all the cars.

"It is nice to meet friends here as well."

The show raises money for local charities each year and since its formation the Mid Shropshire Vintage Club has raised more than £150,000 for causes including the Severn Hospice and Hope House.

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