HEADS were turned by the sight of a massive steamroller parked outside Kington’s famed Tavern pub at the weekend, a potent taste of what was on offer at the town’s annual Vintage Show.

Once again, Kington was in thrall for this two-day special which provides a nostalgic look back at a wide variety of classic and vintage vehicles and machines. As usual, the ‘Hospice Angels’ led a grand parade through the streets to the showground on Kington’s recreation ground, followed by lovingly preserved vehicles including traction engines swathed in steam rolling majestically through the High Street.

This was the 26th event and the ‘Rec’ was packed with vehicles and machines, once an everyday sight, harking back over the past century. As well as the spectacle of steaming engines, vintage motor bikes, military and commercial vehicles, the atmosphere of nostalgia was buzzing with sounds from fairground organs as well as the roars, hoots and whistles from a bygone age.

During the show, firefighters from Kington staged a gruelling ‘Everest climb’ – repeatedly scaling a training tower, with all proceeds going to St Michael’s Hospice, a fire engine adding to the spectacle.

Owners from near and far proudly displayed their classic cars – a gleaming Triumph Herald, a stately Rover and an impeccably preserved Morris Traveller among a wealth of blasts from the past. Army vehicles, British and American, joined the line-up as well as vintage motorbikes including a number of Harley Davidsons, and of course a collection of static engines.

Meanwhile stalls proffered everything for the discerning vintage collector. One stall even offered an old tractor for sale, though the advertisement was somewhat tongue in cheek: “Runs Good – But Missing Steering Wheel & Seat. Great for Farmer Who’s Lost His A** & Has No Place Left to Turn”.