Our first main show of the year was of course, the Classic Car Show at Battlesbridge in May. The event was well supported by members, although on the day a few members were unable to attend due to various reasons. However, with the support of the organiser, Jim Gallie, these spaces were filled with other Jaguars. Friday was set aside for marking 25 bays for the cars and the gazebo, as well as a space for Grange (Jaguar)Motors of Brentwood who had indicated they would endeavour to bring along the ‘new’ Jaguar E-Pace.
Initially, the size of the plot for our stand was set to previous shows, but it was increased due to some clubs pulling out at the last minute. If this was as a result of the weather forecast, I can understand, as the few days before the event the prediction was rain from 2pm on Saturday to midday on Sunday.
On Saturday morning, a number of members assisted with the erection of the club stand, which was before the rain was forecast and appeared. Right up to the late evening, the forecast was still indicating a wet Sunday morning. However, waking up at 4am Sunday morning, I was astonished to find that no rain was now indicated, just slightly overcast! A result which was quickly e-mailed to all members attending. By 09:30am all members cars were in place and looking grand with the saloons along one side with the gazebo and E-Pace proudly on display and with the sports cars opposite. 
A number of first time participants from the club proudly displayed their pride and joys, polished and gleaming in the daylight. We had 8 Mark II’s proudly displayed together in the saloon section, with a 90’s S-Type and S-Type R and a XJ8 (X358) flanking them. 
Opposite were the sports cars from Jaguar, starting with the 60’s icon, E-Type, followed by XJS’s, XK8’s, XKR’s an XK, XKRS and finally the last vehicle on the line up was a F-Type, courtesy of Nick & Sandra James. 
In the afternoon they sparkled when the sun in fact did come out.
The show attracted many visitors to the stand, which was assisted by the display of the E-Pace and we managed to sign up 6 new members! A lot of old acquaintances were made and conversations relating to members Jaguars were had. Everyone enjoyed the day. The finalé to an excellent day was being awarded the “Best Stand of The Show” trophy! 
Having checked the previous club trophies it would appear that our last award for “Best Stand of the Show” was back in 2014!! Well done to all members that made this possible and for Colin Cooper and his Mark II who agreed to represent the club in the Awards ring.
