As Land Rover events go, the York show is a relative newbie in the calendar. Initially starting as a day event, the event is now held over the weekend, with people invited to camp over on the Friday and Saturday nights. The event itself is organised and ran by RCM4x4 with all profits going to charity. With my Series 123 club Yorkshire Area Rep Hat on I had organised the club stand in 2024 and the show managed to raise around £8,500. This year the club had a lot of interest by members, and in the end, we doubled last year’s Land Rover count with 10 members vehicles on display over the weekend.

Come the Friday, I was all packed to go and did something I had never done before. Set off towing an empty car trailer. At the arrival gate I had strange looks as I mentioned I was on the S123 stand. I wasn’t driving, nor had I had loaded on the trailer, a Series 1, 2 or indeed 3. So, what gives? Well, I mentioned that the show is run by RCM4x4, and the garage had been working on my Series 3 Bodied Range Rover hybrid for a few weeks, so it made sense to collect at the show. I parked up, walked to the garage section and collected my Landy and drove it though the arrival gate, this time the strange looks were more akin to haven’t we just seen you?

Above – We have all arrived at a Land Rover show forgetting something, haven’t we?

Over the next few hours more members turned up and pitched. As it was getting a bit later, a few of us were sat, beer in hand, chatting away when a 101 pulled up and I heard a voice say hello. I don’t know about you, but I tend to remember Land Rovers and their owners easier than faces and from a distance I couldn’t see who it was. Walking up I realised it was Allan Crow, our Scottish AR, with his son Cooper.  We offered him a space on our stand and in no time at all, he too was sat down with a beer. The evening went quickly as we all gathered around and spend the night chatting away with Allan supplying some very delicious liquids for us to sample.

Come the morning, we had a great line up on the stand. In addition to the 101 Forward Control, we had a two Series 1’s, a Series 2a, four Series 3’s (Including a Lightweight and a Stage 1), a Defender 110 Dormobile and my 100” Hybrid.

Above – There is always a great selection of Military vehicles on display at the York show. A beautiful Lightweight keeps a WMIK company.

The show itself is modest in size, but I say that in a good sense. Some of the larger shows feel too commercial, however the York show feels more like a gathering of friends. Walking around the show would take ages as you always bumped into people you knew. This meant the show had a familiar feel to it, it felt friendly and relaxed.

Now most people will be aware that back in 2019, A certain Series 1 Land Rover drove from Singapore to London. Accompanying it were two Defenders, one of which lives at RCM4x4 and was on display. I had expected to see this, I must admit, but what a didn’t expect was that the owner and therefore one of the Last Overland team was also attending. It was great to meet Larry Leong in person and hear his story’s.

Come the evening a few of us went up to the catering area. Hay bale seating waiting for us as did a selection of catering vehicles. The wood fired pizza was particularly nice, especially whilst washed down with a cool beverage.

Below – For some reason, the Defender 130 was one of the more popular Land Rovers on display.

Come the Sunday, we awoke for a similar day to the one previous. Walking around, chatting and generally being social. It was also prize giving day, and I am please today that Series 123 club member James Smith won the best restoration with his Stage 1 that was featured on our stand!

Come late afternoon, it was time to pack up and leave. This involved driving my 100” onto the Car trailer. Simple you would have thought, however. It didn’t have a lot of fule in it, and when it climbed to get on the trailer the fuel ran to the back of the tank and well. Ran out of petrol, half on and half off the trailer. Whilst this did cause a certain amount of mirth and merryment to my fellow club members it was rather embarassing  and I am sure it will be mentioned many times in my future. A huge thanks to those thathelp me load it after this! All in all it’s a pleasant event, it’s a good weekend of relaxing and catching up. I look forward to next year indeed, oh and this year over £14,000 raised for the mountain rescue.

Above – James Smith’s award winning Stage 1 on display on the S123 club stand.