Each year members of the Veteran-Cycle Club from all over the country display their machines at a wide variety of shows, fetes and exhibitions. These displays show the wide range of machines that interest our membership, from the high wheel ordinaries to the more recent small wheeled portables. The shows and exhibitions vary enormously as do the size of the audience, for example, the Reading Cycling Festival attracted around 2000 people but we were constantly in demand to answer questions from potential members, however, another at the Romsey Show, which attracts around ten times that number each year, elicited only a small number of enquiries with people stopping for a brief look at the display then moving on. Vintage transport and other country shows fall somewhere in between, however, the location of your pitch makes all the difference as, if you find yourself away from the main thoroughfare or show area few people will make the effort to find you.

Often the shows run over two or three days which means that it is an ideal time for a get-together with friends during the evenings while camping close to the displays. Given a fine and dry evening it is wonderful to watch the sun go down, relax, or talk about the day and plan what you worked, what didn’t and the things you would like to change next year.

The shows are very rewarding for those who take part as it gives members a chance to talk about their hobby to people who are interested in the old machines and the way they were constructed and used. Some shows only allow static displays, however, some give you the chance to display your riding skills and a chance to try out some of the more exotic machines. If you would like to join us and take part next year please contact the Veteran-Cycle Club.

Here are a few photographs from this year’s displays.