NOT even grey skies and intermittent light rain could dampen the spirits of those attending North Cotswolds Rotary Club’s inaugural Festival of Motoring at The Cotswold School on Sunday 12th August. Adverse weather forecasts kept many visitors away from Bourton-on-the-Water, but those attending were treated to a spectacular display of iconic vehicles, some old and others brand new with the most up-to-date technology. And the event raised £4,000 to be split between four charities – Midlands Air Ambulance, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Hospice, Canine Partners, and the NSPCC – and The Cotswold School.

Among the many cars of special interest were 12 from Motion Picture Motors – cars based on those featured in well-known films or TV series. The group’s leader, David Redhead, brought his 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback, as driven by Steve McQueen in the famous car chase in Bullitt. Also present were a black Pontiac Trans-Am with every possible mod-con based on the TV series Knight Rider, a white P1800 Volvo based on The Saint TV series, and a 1956 dark blue BMC J2 Ambulance, formerly used to ferry Bristol’s dignitaries, including the Bowes Lyon family, from home to hospital. Among many other popular attractions was a Bluesmobile driven by Richard Owen, as featured in The Blues Brothers.

A highlight of the day’s entertainment was a staged arrest of ‘Del Boy’ for trading stolen goods from his iconic Reliant Regal Supervan 111, as featured in Only Fools and Horses. In a classic piece of drama, he was marched off by the local constabulary, being also in possession of two dummy hand grenades kindly ‘lent’ to him by a Daimler Dingo scout car owner also present at the Festival.

“This was our inaugural Cotswold Festival of Motoring,” said event organiser John Barber. “Despite the weather it was a great success and enjoyed by everyone who attended, exhibitors and public alike. We have had lots of positive feedback, with a number of exhibitors saying they are looking forward to returning next year. I would like to thank all those who helped to make the Festival such a great event; in particular, The Cotswold School’s staff and pupils, and their Interact Club who raised over £100 for charity, Brio Retirement Living who were our principal sponsor, and Motion Picture Motors – I shall never forget Del Boy being ‘arrested’ by the Gloucestershire Police for dealing in stolen goods, a golden moment.”

Those attending voted for the car they would most like to take home, and the winner of the people’s choice was a 1995 Ford Escort Cosworth owned by Colin Baldwin, which featured in Jeremy Clarkson’s ‘Top 100 Cars’ DVD. The concours judges ran a separate competition for the best turned out car on the day, shortlisting 15 cars. Too close to call, they drew four numbers out of a hat, and the winning car was a Swallow owned by Kirsten and Alice Ng.