Rain hits Lincolnshire Fire Aid’s 999 Vintage Weekend in Grantham but ‘everyone who came along enjoyed it’
Classic vehicles were proudly on show at a vintage event at the weekend.
Saturday’s downpours affected numbers to the two-day Lincolnshire Fire Aid 999 Vintage Weekend, but Sunday was busier, according to organisers who were pleased with the overall turnout.
As well as affecting visitor numbers, the wet weather meant that the job of clearing the site – fields off Belton Lane in Great Gonerby – took several days to finish.
Despite the challenges, organisers Mick Eldred, Steve Meadows and Charlotte Salt were “happy” and enjoyed putting on an event for the vintage vehicle community.
Charlotte said: “It’s good to see old friends come together who haven’t seen each other in ages.”
Mick added: “It’s good to get people together, and all the people around us. It’s about the people that come through the gates, without them we can’t do it.
“It’s these sorts of events in Grantham we’ve got to keep pushing for [for the community].
“Everyone who came along enjoyed it.”
The event featured vintage fire and steam engines, tractors, lorries, cars and motorbikes. There was also music and family entertainment.
Mick thanked everyone who helped make the event possible, from the public and exhibitors to the landowner and sponsors.
A special thank you was given to local farmer Miles Hardy, who presented an award to Lincolnshire Fire Aid in memory of Mick’s late wife Dawn, who passed away in St Barnabas Hospice on Christmas Day in 2021.
The award was placed on a small vintage engine which was adapted for Dawn to drive. Sadly, she passed away before she had the chance to drive it.
In honour of Dawn, all future Lincolnshire Fire Aid events will be in her memory.
With a 2024 vintage weekend confirmed, Charlotte said planning is already under way.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards next year’s, although some money will go to local good causes, still to be confirmed.
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