Our Nick ends up chatting to parrots at the Enfield Pageant.
Thousands of people – and one parrot – enjoyed this year’s Enfield Pageant
ENFIELD, MIDDLESEX 28-30 MAY
Scores of great classics, big crowds and an appreciative parrot were all part of a very successful 39th Enfield Pageant of Motoring.
Raising funds for the nearby Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, the event was held over three days. As well as around 1500 classic cars, many on club stands an excellent selection of American automobiles, commercial vehicles and motorcycles were a major part of the event. A massive selection of autojumble and antiques stalls, a fairground and live rock ‘n’ roll music were also enjoyed.
Making many friends was Maisie the five-year-old African Grey parrot, brought along by her owner, stallholder Ross Grant, who was also displaying his 1990 Carbodies taxi, which has travelled more than a million miles. Maisie sat happily on top of her cage and her owner’s shoulder. ‘She’s definitely thoroughly enjoyed the pageant,’ said Rob. The two have been together since Maisie was six weeks old. The taxicab has appeared in Dead Man Running and Skyfall.
There were many fascinating vehicles on display, but one that especially caught CCW’s eye was Ian and Andrea Berne’s LJ Todd steam car, built from original 1850s plans by Ray Milliken some 40 years ago. With just 2-3hp and a top speed of 10mph the vehicle is nevertheless licensed for the road. ‘We acquired the car after I sold my Sentinel steam lorry. It’s easier to keep but it still takes an hour or so to get up steam and you must have a boiler certificate,’ Ian explained.
Organiser spokesman Colin Spong commented: ‘It’s been a great, great day – one of our best Pageants ever.’ Nick Larkin