Towy Valley Vintage Club celebrates 30th anniversary

Alan Cullen reports on the Towy Valley Vintage Club’s two-day vintage show, held late in June in Carmarthenshire, South West Wales.

With so many shows and rallies being scrapped over costs and lack of helpers, it’s always good to report on those that are making a continued success, such as the Towy Valley Vintage Club’s event.

The club was formed in 1994 so this year’s two-day vintage show was celebrating its 30th anniversary, and was held on June 29th-30th at the Cothi Bridge Showfield in Carmarthenshire, South West Wales. A lot has changed since the club’s first show took place at Gelli Aur, back in 1995 and, over the past 30 years, the organisation has raised more than £16,000 for charities and good causes.

In an extremely rural setting, close on 200 cars and approximately 60 tractors in conditions ranging from from ‘straight off the farm’ to concours, were on show. In addition there were 36 stationary engines plus plenty of horticultural machinery and other exhibits for visitors to enjoy. A small but interesting commercial vehicle section produced some fine vehicles alongside the motorcycle area while, inside the showground building the model engineering section put on a superb display.

Touring around the site was 1925 Aveling & Porter eight-ton steam roller No. 11296, BF 8951, De Rode Leeus, which was repatriated from Belgium in 2016. Not far away was the field which housed the trade stands and other sections that help make vintage shows like this one such enjoyable events.

In the tractor section, the Thomas family from Swansea brought along several machines from their collection, including a 1958 MAN 2K2 and the very smart, ex-quarry, 1962 MAN 32-240 six-wheel tipper that was finished in the family colours; it was the highlight in this section.

This feature comes from the latest issue of Old Glory, and you can get a money-saving subscription to this magazine simply by clicking HERE