IF YOU had seen the weather forecast for Sunday May 27 you would have thought that any event would have to been cancelled… well the people of Haslemere must all have been good, as despite the terrible predicted storms, the sun shone down on Lion Green and the 10th Classic Car show took place under glorious blue skies without a drop of rain.

A few of the 230 pre-booked cars missed the event, as lots of them travel a long distance to attend and the weather elsewhere wasn’t as kind but the Green still had around 200 beautiful pre-1978 classics and over 50 quality stalls selling craft work, local produce, art and a great selection of food and drink including Haslewey who laid on cream teas, which were enjoyed by many while being entertained in the sunshine by George’s Coastline Jazz Band.

The day started for 90 entrants with breakfast before they set off on a tour, heading South of the town to Midhurst and then through Selham, Graffham and Fittleworth for a stop at the Stag Inn, Balls Cross where new landlords Jane & Mark Squire made them very welcome with coffee and biscuits before they continued via Wisborough Green, Alford and Shillinglee back to Lion Green. The route is devised by show organiser James Ewing who often navigates on classic European events.

The cars made a wonderful display covering nearly 100 years of motoring, with cars of all eras, styles and sizes from the smallest microcar to huge American cruisers. Many had been in families for years while others were new acquisitions but all are their owners pride and joy and we thank them for bringing them out and sharing them and their stories.

Crews are encouraged to dress in period to match their vehicles and Adrian Hardwick, of Keats Estate and Letting Agents, the show’s supporters, judged the entrants and choose the worthy winners. After some discussion the ‘style’ award went to Dr David Nancekievill from Haslemere with his immaculate prize winning Daimler V8 250, beautifully attired wife Janet and some amazing period accessories. Runners up were Alec Fry from Midhurst in an Austin A30 and Ivor Tanner from Ifold in a Riley 1.5.

Adrian said: "It was fantastic for Keats to be a part of this special 10th anniversary event which was enjoyed by so many classic car enthusiasts and visitors to Lion Green. As judge of ‘the best dressed car and crew’ I enjoyed meeting all of the crews and finding out about their outfits and there were some amazing stories as to why they became the proud owners of their cars.

It was a very close fought contest and tough to judge, but Dr David Nancekievill had to be the winner as the attention to detail both on the Daimler V8 250 car and his period dress was incredible. The whole day was about people having fun and admiring what is often hidden behind garage doors!”

There is also a ‘People’s Choice’ competition where show visitors vote for the car they would most like to take home. The overwhelming winner was Dave Melton from Haslemere in his newly restored Daimler Dart SP250 MK1, the Dart has gone from a total wreck to show standard in under a year and Dave has had the show as a target throughout the restoration. Dave won a day at Brooklands Museum with a guided tour from the outreach team. Runners up were Stewart Copps from Portsmouth in an MG PA which has undergone a family restoration over 50 years and Gary Bartlett from Winchester in his Immaculate Ford Capri MK1 1600GT

The prizes were presented by Haslemere’s new Mayor David Round.

Among the visitors were a rather ‘Harey’ presence with Peter Taylor’s Peugeot 403 pick up, full of the Haslemere Hares taking part in the tour and then displayed at the show. The HCCS’ own ‘The wind in your Hare’ - a celebration of classic open-top motoring, painted by one of the show organisers and local graphic designer, Jane Puttock, making his first appearance.

The HCCS is very popular within the community and attracts visitors from all over Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire as well as further afield.

The show raises funds for the Haslemere Festival and is organised by local classic car restorer and broker James Ewing, who said: "It never ceases to amaze me that the quality of the cars and enthusiasm for the show continues to grow. The stalls were of a particularly high standard and of course the weather was glorious.

"Thank you to all who helped out on the day and to everyone for coming. See you next year."