Every classic car enthusiast will have heard of the television programme, "Bangers & Cash". It has turned auctioneer, Derek Mathewson and his family into television stars. From the outset it featured Derek and his two sons, Dave and Paul, running the family's classic vehicle and memorabilia company from their picturesque headquarters in the village of Thornton-le-Dale in North Yorkshire. As it's gone on, grandsons, Jack and Charlie have also become involved in the now massive business which operates out of factory warehouse units in Pickering - up the road from the original location. This year Jack decided to set up this inaugural classic vehicle event featuring static vehicle displays; rally car action displays; vehicle and memorabilia auctions and more. Spread out across the Great Yorkshire Showground site, the event was vast.
The Club had a stand on both days of the event with a couple of car changes from Saturday to Sunday. Our nine car stand created plenty of interest and our location - near several food and drink outlets - certainly helped.
The two hour live auctions each day drew large audiences from the attending crowds, anxious to see Derek, Dave and Paul in action. They didn't disappoint with plenty of witty banter as they auctioned 50 lots per daily session. Indeed, one of our own members came in for a little bit of gentle ribbing as he bid on, but ultimately missed out on one of the cars being sold.
The Mathewson family and their staff are as friendly and approachable in real life as they come across on TV. Derek and Dave came over and congratulated our Vice-Chairman, Duncan, on the display he'd organised and even two of the lesser lights came over to briefly join us.
All the cars looked amazing, so much so that, in the Sunshine on Sunday I took a couple of "reflective" shots - one car reflected in the next. Well done to the owners for the level of shine they achieved.
Will the show happen again next year? It felt like a successful event and certainly all the Mathewson's seemed pleased. Will we attend again if it does go ahead? Certainly, if we are granted a slot.
