Motor Club seafront success

A strong turnout enjoyed the largest display of cars in recent years. 39 vehicles, from veteran and classic to modern, lined the seafront from the sailing club towards Galley Hill.

A replica of Monsieur Leon Serpollet's steam driven "Easter Egg", the winning car at the Bexhill Motor Trials in 1902, was on display, built with the help of schoolchildren from St Richard's and Bexhill College.

Dave Dickens Smith, chairman of the Bexhill 100 Motoring Club, said: "Being the fifth chairman in our 10th anniversary year is a privilege. It'll be a pleasure because we as a club are striving to go forwards and promote Bexhill as the birthplace of British motor racing."

Dave had two cars on display, one of which, a blue Morris Mini Minor, was bought from a garage on Sackville Road in 1961 and remains completely original.

He said: "Today is a great day, not just weatherwise. This is the most cars we have had and it's a pleasure to have the museum joining us."

The museum is one of the charities that has benefitted from the club's other major event, the Classic and Custom Car Show held in the Polegrove in August.

The show has raised 13,000 over the last four years for various local charities.

At the event on Sunday, a museum stand gave information about the forthcoming opening.

John Betts, head of fundraising and publicity for Bexhill Museum, said: "We are in the process of signing a contract with another company who are taking on all the work at no additional cost.

"We have lost about two months but work should be finished between the 15th and 20th of July. We will be open for August.

"This is what we must keep, Bexhill's motoring heritage. It's something Bexhill should be proud of. What we have in the museum will help keep it fresh in people's minds."

Councillor Paul Lendon said: "Sun and health is our motto '“ how well that is being displayed today with such a variety of vintage and veteran cars."

The 100 Motor Club was started by Brian Storkey, a founder of the Bexhill 100 Festival of Motoring, which finished in its centenary year in 2002.

Brian said: "I just think it's excellent that the Motor Club is celebrating it's 10th anniversary. From relatively small beginnings to where it is today, we are all happy with how it's gone."

The club meets on the fourth Friday of every month at the Cooden Beach Hotel. Newcomers are made welcome. For more information visit www.bexhill100.com