THE Collection Fair and Classic and Vintage Car Show, held at Graaff-Reinet’s Laer Volk-skool last Saturday, was a great success.
The event was organised by the Reformed Church and Midland Car Club, and both will benefit from funds raised, as will the many charities and organisations which had food stalls.
More than 200 vintage and classic cars were on display, the oldest of which was a 1916 Model T Ford, owned by Ty Terblanche from Pietermaritzburg. He bought the car 10 years ago, and has lovingly restored it to a pristine roadworthy condition.
The award for the best car of the day went to Chalky Schonknecht, from George, for his 1958 Ford Fairlane.
There was a wide variety among the 27 collections on display, showcasing walking sticks, Bibles, and knives as well as more traditional collectables such as stamps and model railways.
The youngest exhibitor was Emile Blignaut (17), with an impressive model railway set against a backdrop of Spandau Kop. Alongside the South African Railways pieces was the set that sparked his interest as a young child: Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends.
A favourite with younger visitors was Natasha Fourie’s colourful collection of cuddly soft toys, which “just grew” after she got her first teddy bear at age two.
First prize was awarded to Craig Parnell from Port Elizabeth for his impressive display of toys of yesteryear, including a working Meccano merry-go-round. After collecting for 27 years, he now has so many items that he has opened a small private toy museum.
Second prize went to Nicolien Wentzel’s doll display. A large room in her home has been converted into a “woman cave” to display her collection, which includes dolls from all over the world in many different sizes and styles.
In third place was the Somerset East pair of Willem van Schalkwyk and Hennie Greyling. Amongst other treasures, they had an old wind-up gramophone, and a lady’s side saddle used, by the Voortrekkers.
In the run-up to the fair, local schoolchildren were invited to submit drawings of old cars.
The winners were Elrie Pretorius (preschool), Herman Plaatjies (primary school) and Leon Myburg (high school).
