Bygone Fareham Breezes back with Classic Cars and Jolly Jive!

Anyone visiting Fareham town centre on Saturday 10 September could not have missed the characterful classic cars, their characterful owners and the infectious music of Now that's Jive - as part of the ever popular Bygone Fareham.

Sponsored by local radio station The Breeze, Bygone Fareham saw Fareham's pedestrian shopping area packed with more than 40 cars from members of the South Hants Vehicle Preservation Society (SHVPS), the Morris Marina Owners Club and the Portsmouth & Southampton Mini Owners Club.

"This is my fourth time here and I love it," said Wolseley Saloon owner Reg Cook. "I always meet lots of lovely people. I've owned [the Wolseley] for 12 years now - she's totally original - a show car."

1967 Ford Mustang owner Chris Scott from Stubbington told me "Mine's a 'proper' car. I've owned her for 7 years now. I had to do lot of work on her - all new bodywork and paintwork. I just love old cars - I have others. It's either cars or get married...!"

The Portsmouth & Southampton Mini Owners Club was formed in the Late Autumn of 2000 to serve local Mini owners with a shared interest. Since then it has had three homes - The Oast and Squire, The Limes and now Locks Heath Sports And Social Club. It has grown far beyond the founders' expectations and now boasts more than 100 members from Bognor to The New Forest.

North Boarhunt Mini owner Chris Clarke has been interested in motor racing all his life. "My wife is a petrol-head too," he said. "She's really lucky - she works at Goodwood. I also have a lovely 18 year old Land Rover Defender. It's SO reliable - you wouldn't believe the number of people who asked me if I wanted to sell it when we had the cold snap."

The South Hants Vehicle Preservation Society (SHVPS) was founded in 1968 by enthusiasts wanting to preserve historic vintage, veteran, and classic cars and commercial vehicles, pedal and motor cycles - in fact anything with wheels over 25 years old. The Society is based in the Solent area and there are currently approximately 350 members with owning 800 vehicles. You don't have to own an old vehicle to belong to the Society - anyone with an interest in by-gone transport is welcomed. For more information have a look at the SHVPS website.

Chris White, Chairman of the SHVPS said "Our members thoroughly enjoy chatting and reminiscing with both the young and old about their cars. There's always enormous interest from the people of Fareham."

For more about the Morris Marina Owners Club and Morris Ital Register Hampshire Branch, look here.

You can see the photos I took of Bygone Fareham in the Gallery here.