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2010

Croft Circuit Nostalgia Weekend
Report by Mike Scorer, Pictures by Stephen Carr and Tony Todd
 

About a week before the event, a number of MV owners, re-enactors, and racing car owners met up at Croft for the press day. Enthusiasm was high, but being a first event, we were all unsure how much support we would have for the actual event.
 
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As it turned out, the event was a resounding success. Any doubts as to the shows format being a joint venture between Durham Tees Valley Area MVT, Croft Race Circuit, HSCC and TYMC were soon forgotten, as by Friday evening, many of the military vehicles were in position with their crews encamped behind the vehicles. Karls '1944 Auster AOP5' aircraft was the last construction job of the day and then the BBQ'S were on the go.
 
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Saturday morning saw a steady stream of military vehicles take up position along 3 tenths of a mile of the old east/west runway, formally home to Halifax and Lancaster bombers of the RCAF, with the smell of bacon cooking and tea constantly on the boil, it captured the feel of a bygone time.
 
croft5.jpg (41129 bytes) croft6.jpg (79125 bytes) Opposite our displays were members of the Historic Sports Car Club who would be competing on the circuit throughout the weekend in vehicles from five decades motor racing. All other areas of the circuit had classic cars, motorcycles, bus's and pedal cycles with many of the exhibitors in period dress, adding to the 'Goodwood Revival' theme of the event. 
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The few early downpours did not dampen their spirits and by the afternoon there was more sunshine than rain. Simon Johnson from Airfield Aviation piloting a Soko P2 Kraguj fighter monoplane, and then an Issaccs Fury and Taff Smith, who was also competing in the HSCC event on track, flew his 1940's Bucher Junmeister, both biplanes, gave the crowds 'barnstorming' displays of aerobatics on both days, the aircraft were then on static display for the public to admire.
 
croft11.jpg (48130 bytes) croft12.jpg (64664 bytes) The 1940's dance on the evening was very popular with military and race competitors alike, many 'racers' entering into the spirit of the night by donning the trilby hats and waste coats they had purchased from the stall holders during the day. Both the dance floor and the bar were well attended.
 
Sunday was warm and dry and by mid morning more military vehicles arrived in time for the parade laps of the track, with thirty plus vehicles on the track all following their own 'racing line' it created an interesting spectacle for the onlookers.

As the motor racing commenced and the public thronged into the circuit George Formby (aka Colin Bourdiec) entertained the crouds as they meandered between military vehicles and living history displays.

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A 1940's fashion show saw a capacity crowd pack into the Marque and in the words of the circuit staff, 'It was amazing ". croft14.jpg (44859 bytes) croft15.jpg (56311 bytes) croft16.jpg (40986 bytes)
The feedback we have received from exhibitors, competitors and public alike has been exceptional, the date for next years Nostalgia Weekend is under discussion and provisionally will be.....

6th & 7th August,

as soon as this is confirmed I will publish it on the 
www.croftmilitary.co.uk
 
web site.

The event raised over £800 for the Help For Heroes charity.

Many thanks to all those enthusiasts assisting in organising the event, we look forward to seeing you all...and more, next year.

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