Rain can't beat vintage spirit
DAMP and gloomy weather failed to dampen the spirits of devoted petrol heads who descended on Merton Farm in Canterbury in their hundreds over the bank holiday weekend.
Car enthusiasts waded through the waterlogged fields to admire hundreds of vintage tractors, steam engines, military vehicles, lorries and classic cars and motorcycles at the Merton Vintage Weekend.
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FARMING FUN: An array of tractors were on show GIBG30120506B-007_C
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PETROLHEADS: Visitors admire a Ferguson T9 GIBG20120506B-004_C
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WAR HEROES: The Desert Rats Living History Group GIBG20120506B-001_C
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PROUD OWNERS: Car enthusiasts Robert and Shirley Goudie display their 1966 Mustang GIBG20120506B-003_C
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HIGHLIGHTS: Robert and Shirley Goudie were one of the hundreds of owners to showcase their classic cars GIBG20120506B-002_C
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ENTERTAINMENT: The weather was gloomy but spirits were high
Organiser Jamie Butterfield said: "Considering the weather, we had a great selection of cars on display. The event usually attracts big crowds but we didn't get as many visitors as normal.
"However, they still came from all over Kent, and we also had a few from as far as Devon and Cornwall."
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Highlights at the annual event – which claims to be Kent's biggest vintage car show – included small steam engines and impressive displays by military re-enactment group the Desert Rats.
Performances by the fictional TA unit the 390 Recce Squadron – which travels the country showcasing vehicles and equipment used by the British Army from the early 1980s to the second Gulf War – also proved popular with the crowds.
Mr Butterfield said: "They really did us proud. We were also expecting some tanks and a steam car but unfortunately they had to pull out due to the weather conditions. But there was plenty more for visitors to see."
Also on offer were a variety of stalls and a children's fun fair, followed by live music in the evenings with audiences protected from the elements by a large marquee.
Entertainment was provided by country band Cut Loose on Saturday followed by swinging 60s-themed music on Sunday. Festival newcomers Gearbox were the entertainment for Monday's big finale.
The weekend began life as Horton Vintage Fair 10 years ago at Horton Farm, Chartham.
After seven years it outgrew the site and moved to Merton Farm in Merton Lane, off Stone Street, Canterbury, in 2009 and was renamed Merton Vintage Weekend.
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