
Bexhill 100 Classic & Custom Car Show 2026
21st Anniversary Show Review
The eyes of all involved in the setting-up and running of the show had been firmly on the heavens in the days leading up to the August Bank Holiday, as the forecast changed almost hourly and during the night of the 30th/31st, the rain was torrential. Come 04:45 when this writer arose however, the skies were clear as dawn approached. Representitives of both Rother DC and Bexhill FC arrived at 8am to make a final inspection and confirmed their satisfaction with the condition of the surface of The Polegrove Recreation Ground, by which time much of the setup had been completed in anticipation of their green light . . . . Game on!
The previous day had seen the white-lining of the showground along with the myriad behind-the-scenes tasks to be undertaken by our volunteers, plus the delivery and siting of the toilets and erection of both the registration marquee, and that which was to contain the club regalia, raffle, tombola and sales stands.
The first of the trade vehicles entered the showground at around 6am, with a steady stream following over the next couple of hours. The vehicles to be displayed arrived between 7am and 10am, by which time all available spaces were occupied.

The show was officially declared open at 11am by Luke Smith (left), a Formula 1 motorsport journalist, published author and Bexhill resident. Luke currently writes for The Athletic - the sporting arm of The New York Times and following his Q&A with club Chairman Stuart James,
He was joined by radio broadcaster, Alex Lester (right), well known for his long-running night-time show on Radio 2, and who currently broadcasts on Greatest Hits Radio.

Those responsible know exactly what there is to be done; it really is a well-oiled machine fine-tuned over 21years. From the siting of promotional banners prior to the event, distribution of hi-viz vests to volunteers, the issuing of show programmes and plaques, the all-important tea and coffee to sustain the troops, and for the first time, two-way radios which were used for communication between those working out in the field.
The club marquee saw a constant swarm of visitors eager to purchase mystery bags for children, tickets for the two raffles and tombola, plus a range of items for sale including of course, Bexhill 100 MC regalia. Its six stalls certainly kept the volunteers busy all day!
As always, the gates were manned on a shift basis from 10am until late into the afternoon, with the dedicated team of marshals overseeing the parking and safe exit of the 500 or so vehicles on display.
Entertainment during the day included music by Bexhill Promotions, children’s entertainer Uncle Bumble, Bexhill Lions dog show, and a demonstration by East Sussex Fire Cadets.
Much positive feedback has been received praising the show organisation and the positive, welcoming attitude of those Bexhill 100 MC members with whom our visitors came into contact; a direct part-quote from visiting a member being:
"I would just like to send my sincere thanks to everyone who made the show this year such a success. Bexhill would be much worse off without this event"
The underlying purpose of the show is that in addition to providing a great day out for our visitors, all proceeds are donated to the four charities as nominated by our members at the club's AGM, the details of which are shown below in the cheque presentation section.

Our 2026 show programme cover features a delightful image designed by young local resident and Bexhill High Academy Year Seven student, Millie Coley, which was originally spotted on the railway bridge in Bexhill where it is appears in a display of art featuring many aspects of the town and its motoring heritage.
Millie with Bexhill 100 Secretary, Jeff Webb.

The winners of the 2026 trophy awards are:
Best Bexhill 100 Club Car:
Rick Moye
1974 Sunbeam Rapier Fastback
Judged by Alex Lester

Best Classic Car:
Harry Papadopoulos
1954 Austin A40 Somerset
Judged by Mark Hammett

Best American Car:
Patrick Miles
1940 Ford Pickup
Judged by
Martin & Donna Timms

Best Commercial Vehicle:
Mat Young
Peterbilt 379
Judged by Andrew Terry

Best Custom Car:
Andy Cripps
1950 Ford Anglia
Judged by Maurice Takoor

Best Motorcycle:
Mick Barton
1949/1958 Norvin 1275cc
Judged by Alan Timms

Best Modified Car:
Lawrence Whiting
1992 Toyota MR2 Import Judged by Charlie Piper

The show is a real team effort, and as ever, our sincere thanks go to all involved, including,
Enterprise Mobility Bexhill, for their generous subsidy of the van used to carry everything within the regalia marquee (which appears to grow each year!)
Jesus Loves Bexhill for their sterling work in collecting rubbish from around the showground
Our use of this venue would not be possible without the co-operation received from Rother District Council, Bexhill Football Club and Bexhill Cricket Club.
Lastly and by no means least, the many hours, days and months of effort from those members of the Bexhill 100 Motoring Club who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen. The work required for the next event starts as soon as the current year's finishes and without them, there would be no show.
For further examples of show photos see our Facebook and YouTube sites:
We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year >
Cheque Presentation Evening 25th September 2026
Shortly after the club's recent Classic & Custom Car Show, members of the Bexhill 100 Motoring Club gathered for the annual presentation of cheques to representatives of our four nominated charities.
Club Chairman Stuart James and Treasurer, Charlie Rowland were delighted to present a cheque for £5,000 to each of the following: Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary, Bexhill Community Bus, Gap Special School and Guide Dogs for the Blind Association as shown in the images below.

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