An Eclectic & Damp 4th Annual Portway Classics

By Bernie Graham

The Glorious 12th wasn’t quite so glorious this year, and torrential rain early in the day clearly had an impact on attendance at Portway Classics.  For those who did brave the weather, including the totally barking mad Peter and Beth Hill in their Citroen 2CV Special with neither top nor windscreen, the day did in fact improve and by late afternoon we saw the sun!

I think it’s fair to say the occasional drizzle didn’t spoil the enjoyment of those stalwarts who did come along, and we are ever grateful for their support.  The band, Resonance, entertained again with their melodic mix of ‘80s and ‘90s covers – including their wonderful version of Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue’s Where the Wild Roses Grow, performed twice by popular demand!  If you haven’t heard it, look it up.  It’s from Nick Cave’s 1996 album, Murder Ballads, an album dedicated to a genre of songs about crimes of passion.  Cheerful eh!

What is it about Sunday afternoons and cake?  Once again, we had cakes baked and donated by Barbara and Jackie, who manned the stall with Mags.  Their pouring, stirring and slicing contributed significantly to the total fund raising effort which, alongside Sue’s pimped St. Margaret’s sunflower vending van, raised £260 for St Margaret’s Hospice Somerset, who are more than grateful once again for your generosity.

Hosts, John & Bernie, on (colourful) duty

From Fergie 1948 to Vantage, there's an eclectic mix at the annual Portway Classics event

Stalwarts Matthew Maneely, Jan Gerring and Gillian Fawkes, prepare themselves for the sunshine!