Vintage & Post Vintage Cars at the Bromyard Gala
Organisers: Graham and Anne Probert
Stewards: Derek and Maureen Blades, Nigel Upson, Richard Upson

For this, the 41st 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 colleague Julian Parker) we reverted to 1955, although a few old friends with later cars still like to exhibit with us.

GEOFF PROBERT (1925 - 2007)
Many of you will know that in November last year Geoff passed away. Along with son Graham and late wife Betty, Geoff started the car section in 1975. Geoff first exhibited a car (his 1929 Austin 12/4 Mulliner Two seater) at the 1972 Gala on the old Broadbridge site alongside Graham with his 1934 Talbot 75 - still appearing at the Gala 36 years later. By the following year Geoff had changed to the 1928 Austin 12/4 Clifton Tourer which became synonymous with him for the next 30 years. It was this car which led the annual Gala Carnival parade every year from 1974 until the carnival ceased to happen. Happily Geoff's Austin still comes to the Gala with new owner John Davies from Wolverhampton. Geoff had been a member of the Gala committee from 1975 and a Director for many years. Away from the Gala Geoff was also a Director and President of the Ross-on-Wye Steam Engine Society.