Thank you to everyone who joined us this year for the Pangbourne Classic Car Show. The exact dates for the next Pangbourne College Classic Car Show will be revealed soon.
The event started in June 2016 and was the brainchild of our Assistant Head, Boarding, Tom Cheney. The idea behind the show is to engage and enthuse our pupils, especially those who are involved in our Car Restoration Club, which is currently working on two Classic Cars; they are a 1970 Bond Equipe GT4 and a Rickman Ranger kit car.
The show also demonstrates to our pupils the wide variety of vehicles that are part of an amazing vintage and classic car industry, but perhaps most importantly, the event raises money for charity.
Our first show had 100 fabulous vehicles on display and welcomed around 1,000 spectators. The event has grown in popularity and we now have around 500 vintage, classic and modern classic vehicles displayed each year, as well as a range of cars from Sporting Bears who offer spectator rides in them.
The event is based around our community and all of the helpers are volunteers that work for the College as teachers and operational staff, or current and past pupils who have been involved with the Classic Car Restoration club. The event is slightly different from most classic car shows as the cars are arranged in make and age order, allowing spectators to see the progression of marks as designs evolved.
There is a very relaxed atmosphere, with live bands playing at different points in the day, and car owners and spectators alike enjoying the cars and the natural beauty of the College grounds throughout the day.
All money made from each show goes to a local charity, Footsteps Foundation which supports children with neurological issues, as well as The Pangbourne Community Fund.
We have been very lucky since the show's conception to have been backed by local businesses such as H. R. Owen dealership, who are based in Pangbourne Village and have always brought a great selection of new Aston Martins and Lamborghinis for spectators to look at and sit inside! We have also been supported by Kingdom Coffee which provides refreshments and cream teas throughout the day, with all profits donated to the charities. As well as new supporters last year Howdens Insurance, The Fine Car Company, Elliot James Consulting all who have supported the show and helped us raise money for Charity.
Sporting Bears were at the show again this year to offer passenger rides in stunning classic cars. This is a truly unique experience and for a minimum donation (which will be for the Footsteps Foundation) the Sporting Bears will take you on a short passenger ride in the car of your dreams!
We have also been lucky enough to have a Battle of Britain flypast in three of our previous shows from the Lancaster and a Spitfire, which is always a lovely addition to the day.
Bookings to be an exhibitor for next year's Classic Car Show will open late June / July.
