After a week of ever-changing weather forecasts, Uckfield Lions arrived at the Halfway House Isfield early on Sunday morning to prepare for Lions 20th Classic car run, Skyes where cloudy but sun was forecast for later in the day.
For Lion Chris this was his special day, he had reached his target of organizing 20 Classic car runs and was looking forward to meeting the many old friends that had supported the car run for many years, before he hung up his maps.
The initial setting up was only just complete when the first of the cars arrived, once booked in drivers and passengers had time for tea and coffee along with a chat with fellow drivers, by ten am there was a steady stream of cars arriving, it was going to be a large entry.
Once refreshments had been taken the cars set of on a route taking them out as far Nymans near the A23 where coffee was taken and the back through the Sussex countryside back to the Halfway house Isfield.
As the first few cars arrived back Lions chef Graham lit the bar b ques ready to serve 181 Burgers with salad follow by various Fruit crumbles and hot custard, Lions marshals arrange the 120 cars in a horseshoe around the field to allow viewing of the cars and then the sun appeared.
Throughout the twenty years of classic car run s a total in excess of 38 thousand pounds has been raised for local good causes ,this year the profit from the run is going to Kent Surrey and Sussex air ambulance and at the moment it looks the total raised will be nearly £3500 .Lions are very grateful to Eagle cars of Hadlow down who provided a tour for two people of their factory ,which Lion Chris decided to run a silent auction for a great experience and it sold for £150 (Eagle cars are widely recognised as global authority on the restoration and enhancement of Jaguar ‘s legendary E-Type)
Lions would also like to thank Mel and the team at the Halfway house for allowing Lions to use the facilities of the pub and taking over her field. Also, Aworth Survey consultants for providing the maps once again, and Cater Hire services for use of their chairs, and of course, a big thank you to all those took part and made it a memorable twentieth run for Chris.
Lions Vice President Frank Phillips present ed Chris with a folder full of information, pictures and thank you letters, covering the twenty years of Classic car runs.
Lions’ classic car run WILL be back next year.