AFTER a few short showers in the morning, it turned into just the right weather for the rest of the day for the Morchard Bishop Vintage Rally and Family Fun Day which was held in Morchard Bishop Playing Fields.

In the Vintage Rally, there were more than 70 lovingly restored cars, motor bikes, stationary engines and commercial vehicles.

In this 50th Anniversary of the Playing Fields, organiser Angie Brimilcombe had arranged to include many of the old favourite attractions as well as others for the first time.

There was ferret racing, a balloon race and ideal background music provided by Hatherleigh Silver Band and “Ukulele Crazy” Brian Poole and Val.

The gates were officially opened at 12 noon by Geoff Rice who gave a brief history of the Playing Field.

There was a large marquee which contained an exhibition of the beautiful paintings of Morchard Bishop artist Pam Cox as well as charity stalls for CLIC Sargent and the Crediton group for Multiple Sclerosis.

Of new interest this year was an amazing display by Exeter Model Boat Club which included a canal narrow boat, lifeboat, submarine and speedboat.  There was a children’s competition for a Lego model which was won by Fraser Ward and Eleanor Seymour.

Morchard Bishop Blacksmith Simon Hall gave live demonstrations of his craft throughout the afternoon and donated one of his pieces of artwork to be auctioned for the Playing Field.

Crediton firefighters gave an impressive demonstration of a car rescue which included cutting the roof off a car.

Sales of food did exceptionally well with the barbecue sold out and making about £700 and salads, cream teas and ice creams equally popular.

Other attractions included Cottage Gardens of Morchard Bishop, a large book stall, a chance to try-your-hand at bowling, races for the children and competitions based on live chickens and a toy monkey.

During the afternoon, a light aeroplane from Eggesford airfield flew low near the playing field to greet the large crowd of visitors.

Thanks to the generosity of very many people there was a huge draw and at the end of a most enjoyable day a lot of people  went home happily clutching a valuable draw prize.

Karin Moffett

Photos by Alan Quick