RetroFestival

After a break of a few years, we decided to get tickets for the RetroFestival. The show formerly known as Wings, Wheels, Speed & Steam. Has all that and more. With Lynette along for the day we drove the Camper in (and got an extra free ticket) and parked in the classic car lines. A refreshment stop and we were ready to start exploring.



The show is laid out along the side of the runway, where later in the day a few aerobatic displays would be put on. First up were some Scooters and a few cool caravans.









As it was nearing snack time we grabbed some cakes and looked round a few of the vintage stalls. Everything from clothes to toys and furniture was on offer. Lily spied some little peddle planes and leapt at the chance of a flight.







After a rest by the Camper we headed out again to check out some steam engines and the cool Portafold caravan club.







By now the first of the air displays was about to start, so with a bit of people watching on route (there were some amazing outfits being worn) we made our way to the flightline for a bit of biplane action.









Skirting along the classic cars we stopped for lunch and a rest before setting out once more. row after row of cool cars were on display from Americana through British classics and some shiny commercials.

















Another flying display started overhead, so we watched as the Harvard banked and dived.







We took in the last of the stalls and some big classics before aiming for the camper once more.







With Kim wanting to do a spot of shopping, Lily and I had a last look at some cars, grabbed an ice cream, watched the last aerial display and flew ourselves before meeting back at the camper for the last time.















Tired and hot we piled back in and cruised home. The show was massive and with camping and evening entertainment on offer a plan was hatched to make a full weekend of it one day! More snaps can be found here

Steve.

Lots of Classics at the farm shop

Four years ago, while advertising our VW clubs up coming show we attended the Windsor Farm Shop Classic Car Show. It was a damp day with a handful of cars on show and not many people. Kim was about five months pregnant at the time. Fast forward to today and we were back for the first time after spotting an advert for the show on FB. Rolling in through the gates in the queue at 11am the place was already heaving and we were ushered towards the back of the public carpark. Blagging it a bit we managed to park in the middle of the show instead with a pair of Minis for company. As we got ready to explore I chatting to a new camper owner, eager to pick up some tips and watched fellow camper owner Paul and family cruise in.





All set for the morning we set off with our friend Steve in tow, starting along the wall with some Rolls Royce and Bugattis. The owner of a 1935 20/25 Sports let Lily enjoy a bit of luxury.











Heading for the farm shop we sampled some orsum cheese before walking back to the shade near the camper for a picnic. The promise of an ice cream enough to get Lily round a few more cars.











With a tired Lily and Kim resting in the shade, the Steves went wandering through the lines, American muscle, British classics and some Italian stallions on show.









I found a comfy, if a little cramped seat in a TVR built when I was born. And we had a brush with the law at the Police car club display.













Heading back to the camper, we spied this brutal Vauxhall, a 7.5lt V8 hidden under the Freddy airbrushed bonnet.







Gathering the girls we got a tub of ice cream each to cool off again. Before Lily sampled some very expensive Silvercross prams. Fingers were babywiped very carefully so we didn't spoil the £250 childs toy!







After a final look round we decided to head off, the queue out as big as the one coming in and the surrounding roads filled with parked cars. A popular event that will hopefully learn from today and use its organising crew a bit better next time.

Steve.

Maidenhead Heritage Centre - Crossley Burney Streamline

A change round of cars, meant a return trip to the Maidenhead Heritage Centres exhibition on the history of automotive manufacture in the town. This time it was the somewhat ugly Crossley Burney Streamline. Originally prototyped and built in the town in the 1920s by the man who designed the R-100 airship it used an Alvis engine and front suspension mounted at the rear to allow for a lower streamlined front end. This version is one of only a handful that survive and was built under license by Crossley Cars. It features a more saloon car style front.





Inside, despite the well worn leather, the cabin is the height of luxury, in the back there are a pair of circular covers, one hides the sparewheel that can be accessed by opening the whole door skin hatch. The other houses a drinks cabinet!





At the very back is the straight six engine and gearbox. Away from the cabin and covered with an aerodynamic cover. Sadly all the weight out the back apparently made the handling a bit interesting.



While I was busy chatting to the curator of the museum and looking round, a couple of Romans and Biggles wandered in.





Steve.