SCORES of vintage and transport enthusiasts and some of the original exhibitors have celebrated the 40th anniversary of the first show of its type this year.

Keith Miller staged his 40th annual Westbury Transport & Vintage Gathering attracting some rare items to the showground at Top Field, Bratton Road, on Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28.

Keith organised the first show 40 years ago at a venue in Westbury and was thrilled that some of the exhibitors who attended four decades ago attended last weekend’s show.

It featured dozens of classic and vintage vehicles, tractors, machinery and stalls.

Wiltshire Times: Organiser Keith Miller at his show field in Bratton. Image: Trevor Porter 70009-1Organiser Keith Miller at his show field in Bratton. Image: Trevor Porter 70009-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

He said: "It’s difficult to find a venue to stage an event like this and this been a problem in the past so some years ago I bought this field in Bratton and we are now very lucky to promote this event on our own property.”

Keith’s son William follows in his father’s footsteps and is keen to preserve transport vehicles of interest. He has recently bought a Dennis Fire appliance that served most of its life in Hampshire.

William said: “When I went to look at the appliance, I didn’t really intend to purchase it. But it was in an excellent fully working condition only just over 20,000 miles on the clock and when I realised it had an index plate for my birth year, I just had to buy it.

“It’s an important item in my collection that I have added to 20 or so other appliances in storage. It’s a passion of mine to preserve vehicles to cherish them and save them from the scrapyard.”

Wiltshire Times: William Miller with a 1994 Dennis, the latest fire appliance in his collection. Image: Trevor Porter 70009-6William Miller with a 1994 Dennis, the latest fire appliance in his collection. Image: Trevor Porter 70009-6 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Another old machine at the show was a unique tractor owned by Shaun Robinson who brought the converted Austin Seven to the show..

He said: “The vehicle is the only one of its type in the UK and has attracted so much interest.”

John Pomeroy of Warminster, known for his role in organising the famous Noggin Nosh and Natter event, brought his 1937 Austin 10/4 estate vehicle that is possibly the only one of its type in road condition in the country.

Wiltshire Times: John Pomeroy, founder of the Noggin Nosh and Natter Show, with his 1937 Austin 10/4 estate the only one left in the UK. Image: Trevor Porter 70009-4John Pomeroy, founder of the Noggin Nosh and Natter Show, with his 1937 Austin 10/4 estate the only one left in the UK. Image: Trevor Porter 70009-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

He said: “It’s a rare machine that once belonged to a master tinsmith who turned out to be a distant family member.

“It’s my pride and joy so I just had to bring it to this show in a tribute to vehicles that represent history on the move.”