Vintage & Post Vintage Cars
Organisers: Graham and Anne Probert
Stewards: Derek and Maureen Blades

For this, the 42nd Gala, we are again proud to present an excellent display of early motorcars. The display shows the development of the car from the early years of the 20th century (when it was just a plaything for the wealthy) up to the 1950s when it had become an essential part of daily life for everyone. There have been vintage cars as part of the Gala since the very early days, although perusal of the programmes from that time shows at the most half a dozen entries until1975, when the Probert family started the section as a separate entity, since when it has gone from strength to strength.

Originally our section catered for pre-World War Two cars only, then as time went on we extended eligibility to 1955 and later on to 1965. With the introduction of the separate excellent section for later Classics (organised by our colleagues Julian Parker and Pam Hennessy) we reverted to 1955, although as you walk around you may notice that a few old friends with later cars still like to exhibit with us.

Sadly 2009 sees the end of our family connection with organizing the Gala. After thirty seven years involvement we feel that the time has come for a break. We have enjoyed every Gala immensely, and made some wonderful friends many of whom we will continue to see. Above all we must say many thanks to our exhibitors, many of whom have supported us over many years through sunshine and showers (downpour and flood occasionally!), for without them there would be no Gala. It is also a good time to think of those exhibitors and helpers who are no longer with us ,but have all been part of the show over the years. Within recent weeks we have lost both Norman Clift and Alec Allsopp who both brought cars to the Gala for many years. Also a big thank you to our stewards over the years. In recent years Anne’s brother Derek and his wife Maureen have made the long trek from their home near Canterbury to help with the car section.

Just to reassure our exhibitors – they will be in good hands in the future and will receive their entry forms next year!