The Tony Jennings Classic Car Show

After an absence of 4 years due to Covid and then extensive building work at BEN’s Care Centre at Essenhall, Warwickshire we were delighted to once again host our classic car show, in memory of a Past President, alongside BEN’s own Fete. Despite rather unsettled weather we had a decent turnout of classic cars, and it was rewarding to hear how so many people were pleased that the event had been re-established. This is one of our events that proves the benefit of being in the Fellowship by meeting up with friends and new acquaintances in a great environment. The 3 “F’s” spring to mind, Fun, Fellowship, and Friendship!

I would like to personally thank committee members, Peter Leake (Chief Car Park Attendant) and Brian Spratt, for their support (both previous Chairman of the Fellowship) and also Rod Ramsay who gave his support despite struggling with a bad back. A special thank you has to go to our fantastic President, Peter Lewis-Jones who drove all the way from deepest Hampshire to lend his support and as always his presence adds to the fun! Also, my thanks to Angela Woodward, Ancillary Services Manager at BEN Town Thorns, for making us welcome and the arrangements for our marquee etc. It was also good to see Zara and Matt from BEN’s HQ who took the time to come over and have a chat with us.

As in recent years we had a wide range of classic cars on display, both from local car clubs and individual entries, and everyone seems to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere rather than a full on concours event which can bring its challenges! Peter Lewis-Jones handed cups to the three winners:

Best Car 1900/1960 – 1957 Nash Metropolitan, owned by Derek Woodcock

Best Car 1961/1999 – 1964 Jaguar 3.4 Mark2 owned by Dominic Walton

Car of the Show – 1972 Austin 6cwt Pick-Up owned by John Halford

Our congratulations to the winners, and many thanks to all the other owners who came along to make it such an enjoyable day. We look forward to next year’s event which we will publicise on the website and in our annual newsletter in due course.

Peter Cottle

Vice Chairman