September 4th 2016
We had a most encouraging response to our first Bridgnorth event, both from vehicle owners and spectators alike.
William Hearne’s 1923 Diatto Tipo 20s Targa Florio attracted a lot of attention
As did Andy May’s Intermeccanica Indra Fastback, although many struggled to correctly identify it. (The clue was written on the hub caps).
Another focal point was Chris Sherwood’s 1972 Ferrari Dino 246GT previously owned by the actor Richard Thorpe; (Emmerdale, Dam Busters, Barretts of Wimpole Street etc.)
Jeremy Dutton standing beside his Bertone GTV with BBC Radio Shropshire reporter.
We shared the street with a varied and vibrant street market at its lower end. We were visited by a reporter from BBC Radio Shropshire who interviewed several vehicle owners, See: - 2hours 14 mins into the broadcast http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0451ml8#play Facebook.com/BBC Shropshire 'Radio Shropshire Auto'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0451ml0 1 hour 19 into this, then at the end of the Sunday show:-http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0451mcy
Owners and spectators alike thronged around the vehicles, enjoying the spectacle and Italianate ambience.
David Morris describes organizing the event:
"The first ever Bridgnorth Italian Auto Moto Festival attracted Cars, Motorcycles, Scooters and enthusiasts from as far as Kent; North Wales; Majorca and Italy.
The ‘Italian Auto Moto Club’s original plan was to host a mini ‘Bristol type of event’ in either the midlands or the north. Having taken a look at numerous towns, Bridgnorth seemed to tick all of our boxes. A lovely town, with closure of the main street, not affecting crosstown vehicular traffic. After discussions with the Council’s officers, we were provided with one date: Sunday September 4th. We accepted: a Continental Market at one end of the High Street, with the rest of the street being available for Italian machines - space for 47 cars; 50 motorcycles and about 40 scooters. Things were looking good, but then, two significant clashes came to light: the southern Ducati weekend, and a massive scooter festival in Nantwich, just over the Cheshire border. Oops !
So, we just had to bite the bullet, and put the word out on various networks and try and draw as many entrants in as possible. Publicity on our website, yielded entries within the first hour. We then put the word out through various owners clubs, and our fellow enthusiasts slowly started to indicate an interest. Surprisingly, several people were on holiday during that first week, of what used to be known as an autumnal month....
Interestingly, I received a nice E-Mail direct from the Ferrari factory, penned by Nick Kane, the designer of the La Ferrari hypercar. Nick asked if he could fly over from Maranello, pick up his Ferrari 328, and then come and display it. I spent a lot time thinking about this (about 37 milliseconds) and said........yes please !
On the day, rare cars that arrived, included a 1923 Diatto and an Intermeccanica Indra. Moto Guzzis were well represented, and the Vespa and Lambretta showing was also good: considering the attractions of nearby Nantwich. Ducatis arrived individually, but after an hour or so, a varied contingent of Bologna’s finest arrived in an impressive group , via the now famous Quatt Cafe: a few miles away.
I was able to meet Richy Curzon, who brought a beautiful 916, and was strolling with family and friends. I was impressed to learn that he does his own belts and shims, and if he ever gets a quiet moment, I am hoping he’ll come and do my Bayliss Replica: next year.....?
The Festival received fantastic press coverage - before, during, and after the event, and Radio Shropshire interviewed people continuously. The recordings featured on news bulletins, throughout the following day. Local newspapers also featured us on two whole full colour pages. A glossy local colour magazine is also running a spread at the end of the month.
The Council has already asked us to re-run the event, and so, all that now remains to be done, is to take a real hard look at the 2017 DOCGB diary, avoid clashes, and get as many Ducatisti as possible there next year ! Forza Italia ! "
