This 46th annual gathering was held at an attractive central location - Alcester, Warwickshire with its Roman origins and charming unspoilt character. The local Rugby Football Club, with its helpful team, provided the ideal space for the display of some 125 cars on the peak-attendance Sunday, and for the many campers and caravaners throughout the weekend. Following an efficient check-in procedure, Worcestershire lady volunteers welcomed everyone with tea, coffee and home-made scones and jam – a good start to a happy weekend.

Organisation was by the Worcestershire Group, with generous assistance from the neighbouring Warwickshire Lot. The programme included a formal ‘Welcome Dinner’ on the Friday evening at which a toast was drunk to the memory of Herbert Austin. A challenging quiz followed. Saturday’s activities included a walking Treasure Hunt around ancient Alcester and a choice of several Scenic Drives to show off the delights of the locality, most popular being the ‘Archers Run’ which put some reality into the imagined rural community created by the BBC. The day’s enjoyment was capped by a Pig Roast by the local Ragley Estate Meats, followed by the toe-tapping tones of George Huxley’s famous trad jazz band.

Sunday dawned brightly, and a hot, sunny day proved to be perfect for the line-up of our magnificent cars in some ten classes. Prominence was given to the Austin Cambridge to mark the 75th anniversary of its launch in 1936. Great fun was had by participants in the Driving Test and Tyre Rolling competitions at a safe distance from display and crowds of enthusiasts ! Silverware and rosettes were presented as a reward for all the hard work put into the restoration and maintenance of the superb selection of Longbridge-built gems from the 1930’s.