VVC Rally - Brighton 1989

VETERAN VESPA CLUB ANNUAL RALLY 18th JUNE 1989

Before this event, I had never heard of Seaford on the East Sussex coast, but scanning the map I saw my target lay between Brighton and Eastbourne. No problem then, all I had to do was load my friend’s GS150 into my van (as it wasn’t working), and head off on Saturday evening.

When we arrived at about 6pm, there were already a few old Vespas buzzing up and down the sea front and heading off to the council run campsite. After tenting up and offloading the GS, I joined Norrie Kerr and other members of the Veteran Vespa Club for a beer, buffet and to “chew the fat” about our machines in the town’s Rugby Club. There were many photos being handed round of Vespas that had been, would be, or are being restored. The evening flowed with much beer and nostalgia.

The next day we moved down to the field at the end of the esplanade, where everything was taking place. I, like a few other people, set up a stall selling Vespa bits cleared out of my garage, together with some spiders, which had taken up residence in these parts. Other people who had arrived were preparing their Vespas, ready for showing or taking part in the competitions. On that subject, the previous day VVC officials had set up Slalom, Gymkhana (a kind of obstacle course for scooters), a slow ride course, and various games for the pillion rider – like darts.

By 11.00, the games were underway, and it was scorching hot. Many GS, GL, Rod and Sportique models were arriving all the time, either ridden or on trailers. Most people were entering their machines in the Concours d’Elegance. Others were walking around, getting information from other enthusiasts, as to restoring their Vespas, or taking photos of the 30 or so machines in the show.

At 1,00 a lunch break was taken, and 99% of those present made off to one of the town’s seven pubs – the most popular being the Beachcomber on the seafront. packed full of bronzed beauties and surfing types. Others chose a dip in the sea to cool off. The afternoon session got underway about 2:30 . VVC Stewards were judging the entries in the Concours, and going over them with a fine-tooth comb. Riders were participating in the Gymkhana, slow-ride and Slalom. This last event was quite amusing, as some of the entrants had had a few drinks at lunchtime. As they were on a private field, there was no problem, but it did make most of us think how our driving on the road would be affected – please take note of this.

The afternoon wore on, with us getting more and more sunburnt. Just when things looked like running out of steam, as it was a very hot, laid-back day, the Hay Dive was called. Now for those of you who don’t know what this is, I will explain. There is a big pile of hay in which 5 sticks each about 6 inches long are hidden. Six scooters with pillion riders then drive in a circle slowly around the haystack. On the sound of a whistle or horn, the pillions leap of the scooter and into the hay in search of a stick. Each time, one scooter and one stick are eliminated. It’s a good thing we had two helmets, as these were essential in protecting us from the boots and fists of fellow competitors, madly searching for their stick.

Everything came to an end around 5.00, with the presentation of prizes taking about ˝ hour. Our Norrie took a large proportion of the prizes, but there were enough to go around for everyone that did OK in the various competitions and categories of Concours. There was even a prize for the best Lady competitor, won by Zoe Griffiths of Thames Valley Vespa Club on an Indian Lamby, the only one there.

This was the first time in 6 years of scootering that I had the privilege to see so many vintage and veteran machines. In all, there were about 150 people, with around 50 veteran and vintage Vespas, and another 50 standard Vespas ridden in by people who came to watch or take part in the competitions and games.

One final point that amused me is that the Seaford Council mistakenly thought (up until Sunday) that we had booked the field for a horse gymkhana! Nah lad!!

Adam Pamment

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