Nearly 900 vehicles registered to come along to Phyllis Tuckwell’s sell-out Motor Show on Sunday, August 6, raising just over £50,000 for the local charity, which provides supportive and end of life care for patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer.

The show included a huge variety of vehicles on display which their exhibitors brought along on the day. These ranged from pre-war to post-2000 vehicles and included cars, motorbikes, Army vehicles, camper vans, tractors and bubble cars.

It was hosted at a wonderful private venue in Churt, whose owners Robert and Tanya Lewis also kindly opened up their own personal collection of over 60 pristine classic cars from 1903 to the present day, including the fastest car in the world, plus over 100 petrol pumps and thousands of pieces of memorabilia. Just Kampers sponsored the event and also attended, exhibiting a variety of VW camper vans, Beetles and much more.  

An auction was held, with Robert Lewis as auctioneer, and those present bid on some amazing lots, including a week’s holiday in a gated apartment in Mexico, a week in an apartment overlooking Central Park in New York, a day trip on a 55ft Princess yacht around the Isle of Wight with lunch included for eight people. 

Phyllis Tuckwell supporter Mark Reynolds from Just Kampers also donated a prize of taking the winning bidder to lunch at The Kennels Club in Goodwood, a local artist kindly donated a prize of painting a beautiful picture of the winning bidder’s car, and a photographer donated a prize of photographing the winning bidder’s car. All of the prizes on offer were very generously donated, meaning that 100 per cent of the winning bid money went directly to Phyllis Tuckwell. 

An F1 simulator with three screens provided a driving simulation thrill in exchange for a donation to Phyllis Tuckwell, with the fastest laps being logged which gave an element of competition. Music was provided from the TR5’s and The Hedge Inspectors, with both bands kindly performing for free, and there was also a refreshments tent. Many people commented on what a lovely atmosphere there was at the show. 

Towards the end of the show, prizes were awarded to exhibitors for a variety of categories, including the People’s Choice award, where attendees could choose their favourite car of the day. 

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Robert and Tanya Lewis for offering their stunning venue for us to use for this event, and for opening up their incredible private collection for the show,” said Laura Moody, Events Manager at Phyllis Tuckwell.

“Those who attended were amazed at the wonderful vehicles and motoring memorabilia on display, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing it all. We would also like to thank Just Kampers for kindly sponsoring the Motor Show and for attending and exhibiting their fabulous vehicles at the event, along with Bill Rawles Classic Cars, Classic Insurance Services, Holden Vintage & Classic, Tom Lenthall Ltd, Twyford Moors, Classic Racing Spirit & Tesla.

"A big thank you to Paul Fitchett from Paul Fitchett Images for taking photos on the day, to all those who provided auction prizes, especially Robert and Tanya Lewis, and Mark Reynolds, and to our amazing volunteers without whom we wouldn’t have been able to run the day.

"Many of the people at the show told us how much they enjoyed the day and how wonderful the volunteers were. So many people were involved in helping to organise this fantastic event – we would like to thank them all for their generosity in giving their time and efforts to help make it such a success.”

£50,000 could cover the cost of all of Phyllis Tuckwell’s Living Well groups and outpatient appointments for almost a whole month. These support 630 patients a year, offering them medical and nursing care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and complementary therapy advice and treatments, counselling, social work advice and pastoral care.

Its staff meet with patients, keep in touch by phone, and run two eight-week programmes which help patients and their families and carers to manage living everyday life with an advanced or terminal illness. 

“We were delighted at how popular this event was,” continued Laura. “Nearly 900 vehicles were registered to be displayed, and we had over 100 more on the waiting list. We are already looking at potential plans for next year, so if you are interested in exhibiting your vehicle, please contact us on 01252 729446 or email [email protected] and we will add you to the waiting list.”