Shropshire Star

Phil rolls out classic and vintage machines for charity garden party

Phil Wilson felt right at home organising his latest classic car show for charity – because he held it in his back garden.

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Phil Biggin from Eaton upon Tern with his 1936 Austin Nippy at the Classic car Rally at The Cemetery Lodge, Ironbridge

But that didn't stop there being dozens of beautiful steam engines, motorbikes and cars on show, as well as live music throughout the day.

Phil, 63, held the event at his home at Cemetery Lodge, in Lincoln Hill, Ironbridge, to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

Despite being close to home, hundreds of people turned out to enjoy the array of vehicles and friendly company.

Inspired to hold the event after watching his mother-in-law's battle with Alzheimer's, Phil said it had been fantastic to see so many people turn out to support him.

"My mother-in-law is 90 and has dementia," he said. "It has been a big learning curve.

"The Alzheimer's Society put on a course in Oakengates and it was filled with people with aunts or parents with dementia. It was really good.

"Dementia is the big thing at the minute, so we thought we'd hold an event to raise money for it."

Phil said it had been a "mammoth exercise" to get the event set up.

"I've had help from different people," he added. "it's amazing what you can fit into one garden.

"I've had my motorcycle club, the BWDE, come and supported it. I've had my friends bring their vintage engines and cars.

"One person lent me his traction engine – it had never been out of his house."

It's the second time Phil has opened up his garden for charity, raising money for heart disease two years ago.

On that occasion he raised £1,100, but said there was no target total for his classic car show.

"If we make a pound it's a pound more than we started with," Phil said.