With over 200 vehicles on display in eleven sections there was plenty to choose from. There were 70 motorcycles on display, the oldest one being a 1921 BSA H2 model and there were three more 1920s machines to look at. The motorcycles were split into five groups; pre-1950s, 50s to 60s, 1961-1970, 1971-1985 and 1986 onwards. Motorcycle combinations and trikes were judged in their appropriate bike-year class. There were several newish Royal Enfields on display, and the Royal Enfield Owners' Club had an area as well. I voted for them in the Best Club Stand section.

Bob Carrott, who won the sidecar section last year, left his outfit at home this year and turned up on his solo BSA. He told me that he felt that he might only get a few votes this time as the bike was not at its best.

Peter Evans' 1975 Mark 3 Norton Commando

Nortons on

The voting slips had to be returned by 2pm; this enabled the votes to be counted before the prize-giving ceremony, which took place just after 4pm. Some of the motorcycle winners received special subscriptions to the monthly RealClassic magazine for their efforts, and they were: Peter Evans from Kings Lynn with his class winning 1975 Norton Mk 3 Commando; Jim Nealey of Ruskington with that attractive 1921 BSA model H2, and David Wood from Newark with his smart 1960 BSA A10.

David Wood's 1960 BSA A10

BSAs on

There were six outfits and four trikes on show. Mike Hardy was another RC award-winner with his Triumph / Merlin motorcycle combination*. He told me that he was delighted with his win and doubly so because Chris Vincent, the sidecar racer, presented the trophy to him and they had had a good a chat about sidecars.

Mike Hardy with his Triumph / Merlin motorcycle combination

I later caught up with Mike Hardy and his wife, Chris, at the end of the show. They were delighted with the result and Chris hoped that her photos had come out all right. Mike was especially pleased that Chris Vincent had been there to present the trophy to him. Their trophy was sponsored by a local firm called Scriminger, who specialise in BMW motorcycles. I wish that I had known about them when I had my BMW outfit! They seem to be very good, and Mike and I have been invited along to their open day, when they move to their new premises later this year.

As well as the vehicles there was a display of stationary engines. The Newark Radio Controlled Car Club had taken over the tennis courts and had laid out a track with lots of racing models chasing around the track. This drew quite a crowd of spectators. You definitely would not go hungry at this show, as there was plenty of choice for reasonably priced food and drink.

Another extra to the show was the craft fair. Wandering around here I found an automotive artist; he does this part time and his work was to a very high quality.

This is a very well-organised show and is well worth a visit. It is usually held on the first Saturday in September, so put it in your diary for next year. For further info see www.shcms.sleafordevents.co.uk

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*And we have a full feature on this bike in the pipeline. Come back in a couple of weeks to read it…