The British Ironwork Centre's inaugural transport rally proves a hit

The British Ironwork Centre yesterday hosted their first classic & vintage transport rally in one of the country’s most unusual locations.

With owners and enthusiasts travelling from all over the country, some as far as Scotland and Cornwall, proves rally fever has gone nationwide.

Over 330 cars make up a variety of vehicles from Lagondas through too E types, classic racing Minis to the finest Bentleys.

A vast array of vehicles throughout history attended the event, from 1911’s finest transport all the way through to the more recent 70’s.

They also played host to vintage motorcycles, tractors, lorries and stream engines. Vehicles of all shapes, sizes, styles and standards of restoration were on display for visitors to admire and enjoy.

For the first year, they also scrapped entrance fees for the public, simply inviting those who would like to contribute, to donate to Hope House children’s Hospice. The Charity have been collecting throughout the day and have been overwhelmed with the response.

In true keeping with the centre’s reputation, everyone was offered ice cream and fresh fruit from rickshaw riders, to ensure they had a brilliant time and had 1 of their 5 a day at the same time. Over 1000 items of fresh fruit were handed out to exhibitors and the public, along with everyone having free union jack ice creams.

There was plenty for visitors to do as there was free archery, falconry and metal working demonstrations. The soundtrack to the event was music piped over the entire 70 acre parkland site.

RAF Shawbury provided a phenomenal military helicopter display, doing a cycle of the grounds, to really excite onlookers.

As if all of this wasn’t enough, there was a cavalcade procession of all the vehicles at 2pm, in glorious sunshine. All the exhibiting vehicles did a lap of honour of the whole site. It was announced on PA system by a well-known broadcaster, where the vehicle type and year was explained to the crowd, along with the proud owner’s name.

Clive Knowles, Chairman of the centre said, “The transport rally has been a fantastic success! The feedback from exhibitors and members of the public has been amazing. We would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and support, and invite all exhibitors back in 2016.

“Our visitor numbers are increasing exponentially and we’ve an exciting programme of events planned for the forthcoming months. Watch this space for details of our Falconry Days, Sheep Dog Trials, Tug Of War and Santa’s Grotto events, to name but a few!”