Kimbolton 2007

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Preparation for Kimbolton always seems to go smoothly until I reach that dreaded time when the programme needs to be put together.  This year was no different to previous years as it always seems to take so long to get all of the advertising features in from various sources in order that the programme is self-funding.   Then of course having received all of the adverts they always seems to be in different formats and for those of you in the know I get sent PDF’s, Bitmaps, Jpegs and a variety of Windows based pictures, which always seems to take an age to unscramble and insert into a format that Chris Poolton of Design to Print can actually deal with.

Of course this always happens just before I carry out my annual pilgrimage to Le Mans which means a mad panic to get the programme to the printer before I leave as we only have two weeks after I return from Le Mans before the big day.
Panic over and off we go to Le Mans for a very pleasant time thinking nothing of the inclement weather that had been affecting most of England since the beginning of June.  Anyway a good time was had by all in France and we returned to face the prospect of Kimbolton actually being cancelled due to the fact that the grounds were inaccessible to vehicles.  A few sweaty palms and subsequent intervention by the Lord produced fine weather Thursday, Friday, Saturday before Kimbolton and the grounds had dried sufficiently to mean everything was full steam ahead.  

This year we were charging entry to the Classic Car Clubs for the first time so it was with some trepidation that we awaited their reaction.  Although it must be said Mike Norton was fairly confident that numbers would not be down if at all on the previous years based on the feedback he had received from the Clubs.   More of that later.  
Saturday was spent setting up the show, most of which went smoothly other than having to reposition the Ring at least once as it seems every year we lose our reference point and have to start again with the setting out.   Colin blames the trees saying they move from year to year, although I’m not so sure, I just think we all suffer from poor memories.  The other thing that always causes a smattering of discontent and grief is the assembly of the secondary stage as it has two layers of inter-woven 8 x 4 and 8 x 2 sheets which only ever seem to go together in one way affording a decent platform for the dancers.   I think this year we re-built the stage at least three times before declaring load bearing enough for some of the more heavily built Morris Dancers.

Sunday dawned bright enough although there was a forecast of rain later in the day which did of course deliver on time and with a vengance.

Entertainment within the arena this year was provided by the St Neots Sentinels (Majorettes), Duston German Shepherd Dog Display Team, the Pacesetters and Battling Cumberland Giants.  David Seamark one of our stalwarts did

an amazing display controlling 4 sheepdogs with both geese and sheep.  Apparently displays with 4 dogs are a rare occurrence and David is one of the few people in the country who has the expertise to carry this off.

 

The secondary arena was capably run once again by my wife who seems to attract most of the crowds up the castle end by the fantastic displays provided by The Bedford Irish Dancers, Coton Morris Dancers and of course our old friends the Galaxy Big Band and the Lindy Hoppers.  Every year Rodney Brook asks if we can re-schedule the Band’s last performance early so they can get a clean getaway, but every year they bow to the crowd’s pressure and continue playing until well after their allotted time.  A feat even more appreciated this year as they played and danced in the torrential rain that hit the Show at approximately 3.30 pm. 

Also mentioned in dispatches are the Morris Dancers who if anything seemed to perform better in the torrential rain than the earlier sunshine, maybe it’s because it sobered them up.  

 

 

Back to the cars, I guess that something like 650 cars were put on display by the various clubs and having walked round and talked to the majority of them the consensus seemed to be why we had waited so long to ask them all for an official donation to our Charity as it is commonplace at other events.  

Car Club of the Show this year was awarded to a Motor Cycle Club, the Tudor Rose Goldwings who for the 10th year running raised money for a leukaemia charity, which must by now total into many thousands, from Kimbolton alone.   They were so thrilled, all wanting their picture taken with the Trophy and I am sure will be back with us next year.  

 

As with previous shows the Castle and grounds were full with craft and trade stalls selling a variety of both useful and irrelevant bric a brac, you pays your money you takes your choice, if you get my drift.

For the more discerning, Dream Rides were in operation once again at Kimbolton and although obviously a lot smaller than some events that we put on throughout the Country still raised a worthwhile £1,000.

 

A special mention must go to one particular car which some of us have been waiting 20 years for an appearance.  A 1956 AC Aceca with the pre-requisite Bristol D2 engine (Le Mans Class Winner) arrived with Colin Mitchell, a very proud if somewhat anxious owner, declaring that it had interesting handling and he would be taking valium before the trip home.  Hopefully radial tyres and some suspension tweaking will resolve the issue.  

The rain arrived duly on time at 3.40 pm putting an end to all main ring displays, but at least everybody had performed once and if we are being callous, the public had already paid to enter.  

 

Yet to be confirmed, but we understand approximately £14,000 has been raised once again for Cancer Research UK and other charities.   I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who assisted both in the set-up, the running and strip down of all aspects of the Show, wish you well and hope you all enjoyed the Show.

See you again next year, weather permitting.

Andy Mitchell