After two years of wet weather, the 2009 Festival of Light got off to a dry start, and on Friday evening a raffle and bingo were held in the beer marquee.
Unfortunately, Saturday morning brought gale force winds, and the committee and helpers were kept busy most of the day strapping down tents and marquees.
Even the beer marquee fell victim to the weather and was unable to open for safety reasons, the marquee eventually sustaining some damage. Maybe with a change of decade, the weather will be kinder to us for this year's event!
Anyway, on the plus side, the turnout of exhibitors was fantastic with everyone really making an effort with the lights, making without a doubt the best display so far. This year, prizes were awarded for the best lights. Judging was done by Miss Sophia Williamson, aged six.
The winner was Richard Buckley from the Stationary Engine Section for his wonderful moons and stars display.
Runners up went to Colin and Linda Chadwick, and George Fletcher from the Commercial Section for their Ford Thames
The weather calmed a little in the afternoon, and the beer marquee finally opened, allowing us to hold our conker competion, which was well attended. The finalists were stationary engine steward Brian Blake and engine exhibitor Martin Smee (Fix, everyone cried, these two were in the final last year!!). Mr Blake eventually emerged the winner (again!) after a very hard fought final.
Once darkness fell, and our fund raising events started with a visit from Santa on Derek Roose's Sentinel Steam Lorry, and his helpers in Dave Madden and Mick Cheetham's vintage fire engine. Unfortunately Santa must have put on a few pounds this year and was embarassed to find he had split his red suit!
The fundraising continued in the beer marquee with an auction, ably conducted by Dave Madden. A collecters Merrythought teddy bear in paramedic uniform, donated by the Air Ambulance, raised a good price, finding a home with Sheila Wood. Our very own Chairman, Colin Bowler, was delighted to become the proud owner of a very large pink cat!
Rosettes were awarded to each section.
The stationary engine section rosette went to club member 'Stan' for his Lister CS diesel and wonderful collection of tilley lamps.
The commercial section rosette was awarded to Martin and Alison Bonser for their lovely Albion Chieftain.
The car and motorcyle award went to Philip Spowart, a keen young exhibitor who braved the October weather in a tent!
The tractor section rosette went to Dave Watson for his David Brown 990.
New visitors to the rally this year were the Classic Camper Club, who collectively took the rosette for the best bygone/vintage caravan for their incredible display of lights, including Bill and Glenys Knowles who rode around on their Wrigley truck covered in lights!
Finally, club member Tony Ledbury took the rosette for best steam, for his 'little and large' Case traction engines.
The evening continued with another raffle and we were entertained by guitar/vocalist Don Fletcher.
Sunday was a dry sunny day and our auction went ahead in the morning with some unusual items going under the hammer.
A total of £350 is to be donated to the Air Ambulance from the 2009 rally. We are hoping we can raise even more in 2010, so please come along and support our event, and give generously.