WHAT a superb show! That was the opinion of the many visitors who attended the 36th Three Cocks Vintage Rally at Hay-on-Wye recently. The society certainly kept up their reputation for presenting a great family show with something for all ages to enjoy.

The society's chairman, Mr Geoff Atkins introduced the president Councillor James Gibson-Watt who opened the rally and congratulated everyone who had helped to put on the Show. Mr John Lloyd the vice-president added his comments with particular reference to the long standing officers. The secretary Mrs Margaret James presented flowers to the ladies and commemorative glasses to the gentlemen. The chairman concluded thanking the three members who had spent most of the week setting it all up and the landowners who made it possible.

The ring events started with The Old and the New. This was a selection of Ferguson tractors of all ages and a comparison was made between two of them - a new one and one manufactured 70 years earlier. Quite a difference!

Parades of the various moveable sections followed, being interspersed by two spectacular air displays and Savage Skills Mountain Bike team performing daredevil stunts. One of the riders went straight over a steamer.

Many spectators took flight in a helicopter having a marvellous aerial view of the show field and the beautiful Wye Valley, whilst others browsed at the craft demonstrations both in the model and craft marquee and around the field. There were plenty of trade stands and car boots to shop at whilst appreciating the music of the old fashioned fair organs. The children enjoyed the fairground but their highlight came at the end of the day when they battled with a big steamer in the children's tug of war. Obviously the steamer always wins but the children got rewarded with sweets!

The society would like to thank everyone who helped them in any way to make the rally so successful and hope they will return next year on August 13 for the 37th show.