Following the success of previous events in 2014 and 2016, the School hosted its biennial Car Show last Sunday. After torrential downpours the day before, the event looked in jeopardy, but thankfully Upper withstood the barrage and the show opened to an overcast, but dry day. With over 50 vehicles registered to attend, the most of any of the three shows thus far, Upper quickly began to fill up with an array of vehicles exhibited by parents, grandparents, Old Suttonians, staff and the local community.

The entry field was broad with vehicles ranging from a 1928 Lagonda 2.0 HC (Dick Slaughter 1964 W) all the way through to a 2009 Audi R8 V10 (Mr Sands). If cars weren’t of interest, there was also a 1942 Morris Commercial C8 artillery tractor (Andrew Thomas 2012 F) and a 1943 Willys MB military RC vehicle (Mr and Mrs Kent) as well as a variety of bikes including a 1959 Velocette Venom (Eric Dines) and a 2018 CCM Spitfire (Charles Tassell 1978 F).

Throughout the event, attendees were invited to vote for their ‘vehicle of the day’, which resulted in a narrow victory for a 1932 Ford Model B. After a lap of the north end of the pitches, Mr Abrehart, a current parent of the School, collected his prize from the Headmaster in front of the assembled crowd. Notable mentions should go to Mr and Mrs McDermott’s 1959 Austin Healey 3000 and Mr Taylor’s 2016 McLaren 650S Spider, which finished second and third respectively.

Although the show managed to survive the weather, the proposed 1st XI vs Old Suttonian Cricket fixture due to take place on the adjoining 1st XI pitch had to be cancelled. Given the popularity of the two events side-by-side, the expectation was that the car show audience numbers may suffer, but to the contrary we were delighted to see so many parents, staff and Old Suttonians supporting the show.

It was a great family event, and we look forward to building on it again for 2020! Thanks should also go to Ian Avery and his team of grounds staff for their help in ensuring the show went ahead, Mr Bartleet and his catering team for their fantastic hog roast, and Jackie Browning and the Friends of SVS team for manning their tea and coffee stand.