A reborn vintage event has proven to be a huge success among exhibitors and visitors alike with this year’s show being the biggest and best yet.

The Market Lavington Vintage Meet and Family Fun event attracted hundreds to the village at the weekend raising funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and local projects.

Long back many years, John Kyte organised steam shows at the Elisha Field and villagers fondly remembered the shows as one of the annual highlights.

Five years ago, the local parish council was asked to recreate these events and it’s proven to be one of the best shows of its kind.

But sadly, it has become a victim of its own success with this year’s show being the last Vintage Meet with the popular event outgrowing its base at Elisha Field.

Jubilee Morris from Devizes in action at the Lavington Vintage Meet and Family Fun Day. Trevor Porter 77234-12Jubilee Morris from Devizes in action at the Lavington Vintage Meet and Family Fun Day. Trevor Porter 77234-12 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Ian Myhill, coordinator of recent shows, said: “This year’s show is the last, but we are going out on a high. 

“Not only have we outgrown the show field but the soaring costs have worked against us.

 “We have been able to promote a great show and my thanks go to the many volunteers who have worked to bring the show to the public.”

Lord Roberts makes a return: Peter Denham with the 17-tonne Fowler steam traction engine that once worked in the Market Lavington Brick and Tile Works. Trevor Porter 77234-5Lord Roberts makes a return: Peter Denham with the 17-tonne Fowler steam traction engine that once worked in the Market Lavington Brick and Tile Works. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Among the exhibits was a machine with a historic connection, the steam road locomotive Lord Roberts was at the show  or the weekend.  

The Fowler B5 steam road locomotive number 8903 was delivered to Holloway Bros of Market Lavington Brick and Tile Works on January 31, 1900.

 In show room condition this steam engine was at the show for it reborn event in 2018.

Karsten Bulner with the African Spotted Eagle Owl, one of 15 birds used at the K and H Falconry display. Trevor Porter 77234-3aKarsten Bulner with the African Spotted Eagle Owl, one of 15 birds used at the K and H Falconry display.(Image: Trevor Porter)

One of the attractions at the show was a static display of birds of prey from K and H Falconry, who carried out a flying demonstration in the arena on both days.

There was also a  working gun dog demonstrations in the arena by members of Wiltshire and Somerset Gun Dog Club.

Toby, the nine-year-old cocker spaniel, shows that one eye does not stop him working as a retriever at the Wiltshire and Somerset Gun Dog Club’s display at the Lavington Vintage Meet and Family Fun Day. Image: Trevor Porter 77234-1Toby, the nine-year-old cocker spaniel, shows that one eye does not stop him working as a retriever at the Wiltshire and Somerset Gun Dog Club’s display at the Lavington Vintage Meet and Family Fun Day. Image: (Image: Trevor Porter)

More than 200 vintage vehicles were on show at the two-day event, including the rare Jaguar Fixed Head XK 120 that was road tested for Motor Magazine ‘s publication in 1954 as the  fastest road going car.

History on the move: Tony and Jackie Coldrake of Westbury with their D-Day reenactment display. Trevor Porter 77234-8aHistory on the move: Tony and Jackie Coldrake of Westbury with their D-Day reenactment display. Trevor Porter 77234-8a (Image: Trevor Porter)

Bringing a living history to the show was Westbury enthusiast Tony Coldrake with his D-Day reenactment display.

Tony said: “I change my display each time I go to a show to bring something interesting and different.

 “I attend many shows over the years This is one of the best events I attend  and it’s got such a friendly atmosphere.”

Steve Ottoway and Andy Kostyszyn with the Scimitar combat reconnaissance track vehicle. Trevor Porter 77234-10Steve Ottoway and Andy Kostyszyn with the Scimitar combat reconnaissance track vehicle. (Image: Trevor Porter)