New traffic route to ease congestion at Pink Floyd star’s charity event
New traffic arrangements are being put in place to cut the queues of visitors flocking to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and his wife Annette’s Middlewick House Open Garden.
The popular event at the couple’s 18th-century country home near Corsham, which features the musician’s priceless collection of Ferraris and hundreds of supercars and classic vehicles, attracts owners and enthusiasts from all over the UK and even further afield.
With more than 11,000 people at last year’s event and more than 4,000 tickets already sold for the two-day spectacular on 7th and 8th June this year, organisers from the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity have taken steps to avoid delays experienced by visitors in previous years.
“We’ve been working hard with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council and local landowners to come up with a solution to the difficulties caused by so many people wanting to come to the event,” explained Bobby Van Director Jennie Shaw. “My sincere thanks to landowners Steve Jones and William Taylor for their help.”
Thanks to this co-operation, a separate entrance for cars heading on to the site from Chippenham has been opened. Vehicles can now turn into a field before Middlewick Lane, which will reduce congestion. There will also be AA signs on the network of roads near Middlewick to divert non-event traffic.
Jennie continued, “We’ve listened to the feedback we’ve had from residents, visitors and exhibitors and we think this will make it much easier for everyone.”
The event will open an hour earlier at 10am and close later at 5pm and features more caterers this time around to offer extra choice and reduce queueing times. There will also be live music, children’s activities and play area, stalls and other entertainment.
The event has become a Mecca for car clubs and owners of Jaguars, Ferraris, Aston Martins, Lotus, Maclarens, Bugattis and Porsches who bring their gleaming machines to complement Nick’s collection, which often includes his iconic 250 GTO.
Nick and his wife try to ensure the weekend doesn’t clash with touring or studio work so they can be there to sign copies of his books and memorabilia.
Last year’s event raised £124,000 for the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance and the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust in the process.
Jennie added, “We are very excited to welcome everyone to what has become an important weekend in the calendar for everyone who loves cars and one which helps us raise the vital funds that allow us to continue keeping our communities safe.
“As ever we are indebted to Nick and Annette for opening up their home and to all the residents for their patience, as well as the exhibitors and stallholders – and the army of volunteers who work tirelessly to make it a success.”
The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust works with Wiltshire Police to protect over 60s and people aged 18 and over with a disability in their homes by fitting security devices free of charge. It also operates a Stay Safe Online team of volunteers who provide free cyber security advice through home visits and talks to groups.
Early bird tickets are on sale at £12 (or £15 on the gate) at: middlewickhouseopengarden.com.
Pictured above: Supercars and classic cars at last year’s Middlewick House Open Garden
