CARS IN THE PARK - LICHFIELD 2009

Organized by the Rotary Club of Lichfield St. Chad and staged at Beacon Park, Lichfield.

Fencing off the Park.

Cars in the Park is held in Beacon Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire, and started 14 years ago. It is organised by the Rotary Club of Lichfield St. Chad to raise money for local charities, and some of the Rotarians are also members of OA7C, so a strong link between the two clubs has been formed. Several OA7C members also helped to erect the perimeter fence around the site and stake out the pitches on Friday.

A 'risk assessment' of hi-viz wearers.

We have had a club stand at the event on the Sunday for eight years, but for the first time this year, we attended on both days. We had an excellent display of various models on both days, fortunately, the weather was sunny and warm, and the event was well supported by the public. There were more club and single entries than ever before, so this year, the show was much larger with 655 cars booked in.

A7s lines up on the OA7C stand.

OA7C Members took their Sevens into the arena and were interviewed by the commentator with the roving microphone. However, the mike kept cutting off, and other members who were watching said it was absolutely hilarious, and was easily the best Norman Collier impression they had ever seen. Unintentional, of course!

Rare sighting of a Sparrow.

OA7C Janette Horton in the family Peugeot.

One of the most fascinating displays was staged by the Midland Off-Road Club, where their off-road vehicles demonstrated driving over a variety of obstacles, including tree trunks, scrap cars and up-turned skips, quite breathtaking.

There were various displays in the arena throughout both days. The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service gave an excellent demonstration of rescuing a driver from a crashed car. Member Sue Anker was “volunteered” by her husband Martyn to be the driver, and the rescuers rapidly removed the roof of the car to save her. We heard later that the car had been borrowed from a breakers yard and was later returned a little less intact.

A Ford after receiving the attentions of the rescue services. saloon to cabriolet in 3 minutes

On speaking to members of other car clubs on their stands, I learned that they were from all over the UK, from Scotland to Kent, so some had travelled quite a distance to be there. There were also about fifty camping units consisting of tents, caravans and motor homes, who stayed in the park for the whole weekend.

A field of cars

On a financial note, the event grossed just over £25,000.00, an amazing achievement. After the deduction of expenses, I anticipate that local charities will be well looked after.

Heartiest congratulations are extended to the members of the Rotary Club of Lichfield St. Chad, this was the best yet. Also, we must not forget members of other local Rotary Clubs who gave excellent support in manning the entrances, marshalling traffic, etc. Altogether, a wonderful team effort.

Finally, very grateful thanks are extended to all exhibitors and traders without whom the event could not have taken place.

Admiring a Seven.

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