A man who has organised a popular New Year’s Day classic car meet for more than 40 years says he is uncertain the event will continue as nobody has volunteered to take over.
Monty Goding, who will retire from running the Wings and Wheels event on Barrington Green next year after 41 years at its helm, says it’s difficult finding people to organise the event due to the time, effort and money required.
The 76-year-old said: “It costs a lot in insurance. Those under 70 won’t step up to the mark to run anything.
“They are happy to turn up in their cars as part of the meet, but people just don’t seem to be bothered to run things.
“The provision of marshals, notices, netting, and bollards are just added complication.
“It is quite understandable that no one has come forward.”
Bad weather conditions over the last three years have also meant that Monty has had to put in more time and effort to maintain the green at the meets.
He added: “I’ve had to clear it single-handedly with a fork before.
“The problem with it being on the green is you can’t charge people to attend.
“The responsibility falls on the organiser, and the charity that runs the green is desperate to get a bit of cash from the event as it costs a lot of money to cut the grass every year.”
More than 150 people turned up to the Barrington Green event this year.
One of them, Clive Porter, agreed it was a ‘shame’ that nobody has stepped up to take over the organisation of the long running event.
Mr Goding added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have made it possible over these many meetings – first and foremost Margaret and Camilla who have given unstinting support.
“I would also like to thank Barrington Parish Council and the Green Charity, The Royal Oak and finally the villagers who have put up with us with very little in the way of complaint.”
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