Ilkeston - A Flying Visit
w/e 11 August 2024
All of this week's
pictures were taken with a Nikon D3300.
This time last year I took
a flying visit to the Annual Heritage and Classic Vehicle Show
to take some photos in the pouring rain. This year we were blessed
with some glorious weather which certainly helped to bring the
crowds out. This year too, it was also another "Flying Visit"
that also attracted the crowds.
We went to church early on Sunday morning and although the majority
of the crowds hadn't arrived at the Show, it was still quite
busy especially around the motor bikes.
|
Only a few yards away but it was quieter around a line of buses.
At one time of day within living memory, it was not unusual to
see Midland General Omnibuses (MGO) and Barton Transport Vehicles
on the roads around town but here Barton's outnumbered MGO by
three to one.
|
At the end of the row of buses was another vehicle of times gone
by. An old fire engine with the name "Stanton" painted
on it brought back memories of what was once one of the major
employers of Ilkeston and district folk.
|
Some of the vehicles parked by the church wall went back even
further in history but these old cars are truly classics in their
own right.
|
As we entered church, the rest of the Market Place was filling
up both with vehicles and more people.
|
And by the time we came out after the service, the crowds had
really built up.
We made our way to Pimlico to see the rest of the Show. A number
of agricultural vehicles in various shapes and sizes were parked
on the edge of the car park.
|
The car park itself was full of an assortment of vehicles and
classic lorries including a modern fire engine and a car that
appeared to have swallowed someone who had been too inquisitive
about what was under the bonnet.
|
It was much safer to keep your distance when looking under the
bonnet like this gentleman on the Town Hall Car Park.
|
At the side of the Town Hall on Wharncliffe Road, was a selection
of steam engines. Most were stationary like this one with an
attached trailer but another much smaller one was being driven
up and down the road.
|
But the star attraction this year of course was the appearance
of the classic World War Two aircraft, the Spitfire. It was here
for a flying visit and we understand it was delivered to site
at about 6:30am on a low loader and the wings had to be bolted
on before the Show officially opened at 10:00am. I took this
photo on the way to church well before 10:00am but the organisers
of the Heritage Show will have a hard job next year if they want
to beat this year's effort. The plane was a great attraction
all day long.
|
