by Roy Workman
This show started as a small village show and has grown into a huge event. Recently it has been held at Grimethorpe Castle not that far from Bourne in Lincolnshire.
This show is mainly for cars and bikes; however, you get trucks and all sort of things to look at. There are loads of bikes to look at, some quite old up to modern ones.
Something that caught my eye was a 350cc Manx Norton, which had been raced by Dennis Pratt, he had done well with it having many wins at Cadwell circuit, and he came 4th in the 1961 Manx Grand Prix. He retired from racing in 1962, quite what happened to the machine after that I do not know but it was found in a chicken shed, the current owner used to service our bikes, he also owns the red Aermachi parked alongside.
A huge American car a La France Speedster was fairly close by, this had chain drive, two bucket seats and the notice by the car stated that a tyre cost £ 450 each, you would need to keep an eye out for the pot holes at that price.
The Maico Owners Club had several Maicoletta scooters on display, talking to an owner he has fitted a 650 cc Can-am engine into one of these scooters, he has fitted tyres with a speed rating of 130 mph as it goes quite quick. He also has one of these scooters with the original engine.
I only saw one outfit on display this was a Triumph and Hedingham but the trike club had plenty to see. Quite a few of the regular motorcycle clubs had stands at the show.
One BSA motorcycle that I Iiked was described as a 1961 Special, it was fitted with a Jawa speedway engine which now runs on petrol. With all open-air events you need good weather and it was lovely and hot that day. There is so much to see here; loads of food and drink outlets, trade stands, live music and then you have the venue itself. Included in the price of your ticket you can go into the castle, remember King Henry 8th has walked there before you, also you can be amazed at the gardens and grounds.
This show is well worth a visit, keep it in mind. Your roving reporter Roy