History went on the move when hundreds of old vehicles descended on The George at Longbridge Deverill on Wednesday, July 31 for the annual Noggin Nosh and Natter.
The event, held in the pub car park, started 42 years ago with a group of vintage vehicle enthusiasts meeting for a drink and something to eat and to share their interest in old machines.
Now the gathering, the biggest free evening vintage show in the South West, has almost reached bursting point with old cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles spreading out onto the surrounding fields.
Founder John Pomeroy was staggered at the amount of interest in the show, he said: "We never advertise, it just happens.
“It's scheduled for the last Wednesday night in July each year and hundreds always remember and turn up with some interesting exhibits.”
Event organiser Mary Bailey, chairman of Commercial Transport in Preservation, said: “It was always an evening show but now it’s so popular vehicles turn up during the day to get a prime spot and they just keep coming and coming.
"It's literally history on the move, where visitors can take a close up look at the vehicles of yesteryear. Youngsters can get to know how lorries, cars and bikes were in bygone years and the older generation can reflect on the vehicles of their youth.
“This year is the most vehicles we have ever had on show and it’s attracted record crowds on this lovely evening.”
While some owners have had their vehicles restored to showroom condition some had a race to get them in tip-top condition to attend the evening display.
Dilton Marsh enthusiast Ashley Couldrake recently purchased a Ford Popular especially for the late summer range of shows but was faced with an engine defect problem.
He said: “I needed a part for the side valve engine and the only one available at short notice was in Manchester - so in order to get the car up and running for the Noggin Nosh and Natter show was a trip upcountry to get it and thankfully we rebuilt the engine in time for this show.”
Trowbridge postie Jim Dobson also had a race to get his rare Suzuki RG 500 road legal to travel to the show.
He said: “The bike normally is security stored so it was a rush to get it prepared and given an MOT and get to the event.”
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