A 20-strong group of fire memorabilia and motoring buffs plan to have their 1953 Dennis Metz fire engine on show this weekend to the public.
The group members formed a private syndicate about five years ago to buy the vintage truck.
They are looking forward to showing off their pride and joy at the Show ‘n Shine, to be held by Ashburton’s Vintage Car Club on Sunday.
It’s part of a national annual Daffodil Rally for Cancer and runs at the club’s ground 86 Maronan Rd, Tinwald, from 11am to 2.30pm.
Club secretary Colin Sweetman is also chair of the syndicate.
He said the fire engine, with its 100ft ladder, would be there, weather permitting.
‘‘We take it to a number of local events, sometimes the Plains at their open days. We had it at (The Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club’s) Wheat and Wheels at Lauriston. We take it out and show it around.’’
The fire engine will not be in use, but the ladder could be extended, he said.
Sweetman said the Show ‘n Shine encouraged people to show their vehicles to help raise money for the Cancer Society in Ashburton.
All vehicles were welcomed, any age or type.
‘‘There will be a lot of vintage and classic cars,’’ Sweetman said.
‘‘There’s (usually) a wide variety with all makes and models,’’ he said.
‘‘Anything with wheels is encouraged, and occasionally people bring along tractors. It just depends on the day.
‘‘We don’t take prior registrations, it’s just turn up on the day. The last two years we have had approximately 180 cars each time.’’
The cost to display a vehicle is $10 per vehicle. It’s a gold coin donation for spectators to come along and have a look.
A sausage sizzle and a coffee cart will be on site. All proceeds will go to the Ashburton Cancer Society.
– Ashburton Show ‘n Shine, at the Ashburton’s Vintage Car Club, 86 Maronan Rd, Tinwald, Sunday 11am to 2.30pm. Gold coin entry, $10 per car. Proceeds to Ashburton Cancer Society.
