Out and About 2025

Our Branch New Year lunch this year was held at the Half Way House on the A6 near Chorley. Forty-two members enjoyed an excellent two course meal with coffee/tea and mints and of course there was the usual camaraderie enjoyed by all. It was great to see a number of new members amongst us for the start of hopefully another great year for the Branch.

For the March monthly meeting of the North West Classic Vehicles Club at Heskin Hall the weather was perfect for a car show, sunny but not too hot, and the early morning frost was soon a distant memory. The marshals were like a well-oiled machine and, somehow, managed to coordinate 161 vehicles into the parking area in front of and to the side and rear of the Hall. There was a steady stream of vehicles coming in and there was genuinely something for everyone: there were classic motorbikes, a V8 Pilot, Lamborghinis, Porches representing many of the decades (including a 74 plate with a rear spoiler the size of a surfboard on the back), TVRs, classic Minis and a few Moggies from the Branch. Branch members were also there in their other classics, enjoying the good weather and the great camaraderie at the Heskin Hall vehicle meets. 

The Spring Bank Holiday weekend saw a special anniversary for the Chipping Steam Fair, as it celebrated 25 years since its start in 2000.  They had a special fly-past of a Lancaster Bomber planned for the Saturday but, unfortunately, the low cloud scuppered those plans and the flight had to be cancelled - much to everyone's disappointment.

There was a fantastic array of exhibits and trade stalls to keep the public engaged as they spent time at the show.  There were a record number of agricultural vehicles entered this year - over 200 pieces of machinery - as well as stationary engines, vintage push bikes, classic motorbikes, military machinery, earth moving equipment (giving an active display over the whole weekend, constantly digging and bull-dozing one corner of the showground), steam traction engines and the mini-traction engines.  There was a terrific variety of classic and vintage vehicles on display, from a 1920's Rolls Royce town car to a 1990's Ford Mustang and lots in between.  Two of our Branch members were exhibiting their 1935 Morris 12/4 and their newly acquired 1975 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and both were getting lots of attention from the public, though not the judges. However, a Branch car, 1949 Low Light MM was given a highly commended rosette and wore it proudly during the Sunday and around the show ring parade.

on both the Saturday and Sunday there was plenty to keep people busy for two days at the show.  Sunday saw the drier weather, for the most part, but there was a cold wind blasting down the field where the classic cars, caravans and trailer tents were on display.  We enjoyed our traditional Branch convoy of Morrises from Sainsbury's in Longridge into the show ground with fellow Branch members. 

Some Branch members attended Heskin Steam Rally which was held on Saturday 31st May & Sunday 1st June.  After arriving on Friday evening members enjoyed a lovely evening in the sun looking forward to a good weekend. The weather over the two days was a little changeable but didn't spoil the show. The rally is in its 32nd year and raises funds for a local children's charity the Rainbow Hub and the event has all the craft stalls, trade stands and vehicles you would expect to see. A brilliant local show.

Our annual Branch rally is always a very enjoyable event. The weather forecast was not promising but after a cloudy morning and one quick shower at lunchtime we had a sunny afternoon.  Only 7 Car Clubs had stands and there were 6 lines of Classic Cars.

We had a good show of Minors on display and a big thank you to everyone who attended this year, to support the Branch and run the stalls, raising money for our Charity of the Year which was the North West Air Ambulance.

Malham Show is held on the showground just outside the village and is nestled in the Yorkshire hills and overlooks Malham Cove. It is hard to think of a more beautiful setting. 

The Branch is privileged to be able to attend the show and it is thanks to one of our Branch members Tony that we are able to do so. Tony arranged for LMMOC to be able to exhibit at the event many years ago and we have been enjoying a warm welcome from the organisers ever since.

This is a proper, traditional agricultural show that offers so much for visitors to enjoy. As you might expect in a farming community, there are displays of livestock and some classic farm machinery in the shape of tractors large and small but also gun dog demonstrations, a dry stone walling competition (which was really impressive), Ferret racing, dressage, dog agility (it was great fun watching the public have a go with their pets), fell running, arts and crafts plus lots of trade stands to enjoy browsing. 

The public flocked to the show and enjoyed a dry day taking in everything that the event offers. Our cars got a lot of attention as people came in and out of the show ground and three cars were awarded prizes by the Show President.

Stanley Park in Blackpool saw over 250 vehicles on display, with 50 cars parked around the fountain in the Italian Gardens.  An absolutely glorious day, with many car owners very happy to park under the trees and sit in the shade.

We did not have a Branch Stand at Stanley Park but we did have “Minor Corner”, where 5 Travellers and a Convertible were parked around 3 sides of a flower bed.  The Art Deco Café did a roaring trade and was very handy for a late breakfast.  The “George Formby Society”, positioned on the steps leading up to the café, provided the entertainment. Another lovely event.