They call it "flaming June" for a very good reason, it can be unpredictable to say the least. Either bringing out the sun or terms of despair. The day started grey with light drizzle and generally gloomy, which did not bode well for the reintroduction of the post Covid Pangbourne Classic Car Show. However the steady flow of classic cars was soon followed by a steady flow of people as the sun found the gaps in the clouds and it turned out nice again, as someone used to say.
There was a good show of Morgans in many colours and models, the majority of which were arrayed on the grass to the left of the approach to the tarmac parade area. Just right for a cosy picnic and meeting with other Morganeers.
I met up with former Morganeer Tim Janes who now runs an old maroon and black Alvis, no engine cooling fan required, obviously built pre global warming, but the seating area behind the driver inlcluded a small carrier for two perfume bottles and other accessories and on the opposite side an elegant oblong ash tray. Seating protocol of a bygone era no doubt. The Pangbourne Silver Band played throughout the day adding to the festive atmosphere and ice creams and other delights were readily available.
There were many makes and models of cars, scooters and motorcycles to be admired, including a 1921 Morris Oxford Sports with polished aluminium bodywork complete with cable operated valve to easily change the exhaust from short side outlet without silencer to a rather elegant extended fishtail exhaust for more subdued running.
On the other side, sitting above the rear light unit, was a brass goblin apparently making a gesture to any driver who had just been overtaken.
At the other end of scale were new SUVs for the school run produced by Bentley and Lamborghini or Aston Martin with some very nice upholstery with contrasting sticthwork.
Tom Cheney, Assistant Head - Boarding Housemaster Hesperus Division and organiser of the event, made his way through the throng to let people know that the fly past was due at 3:05. And sure enough at the due time we heard the approach of the deep throated Merlin engines. The pilot made two tight banking circuits at low altitude which was very much appreciated by all, and then he appeared to be heading away but I just caught sight between the buildings of the Lancaster banking right before he disappeared behind the main school building which, as you may know stands on a hill.
And then with a mighty crescendo roar the plane came roaring by at what seemed like tree top height, which immediately made me think of what it must have been like for the Dambusters lining up on their target. Breath taking and awesome and a display of mastery of such a cumbersome looking aircraft was a really fitting end to what turned out to be a glorious day in "flaming June".
Best wishes,
Roger Prior - ThamesMOG member
You can also read what the Newburytoday newspaper reported on the show by clicking here