We wonder what Aliens would make of the human race if they were to hover over Beaulieu for three days on September 5 and observe the frantic activity as we converge in our cars, vans, trucks and trailers and fill the three fields set aside for the International Autojumble. Up go the variety of gazebos, tents, marquees, wigwams ready for the party to begin.
It’s holiday atmosphere right from the word GO and bargain hunters start as soon as gates open early Friday morning. It’s the day for traders to set up, meet old friends and make new ones. Some take it very seriously and most are very laid back. Laughter and music fills every aisle, along with all the STUFF brought here to sell.
“There’s an AJS 350 Big Port head up in yellow field near the bloke with a mannequin in a fur coat.”
" Really? Well there's some Bugatti engines down near the gents loo in red field."
You don't realise that you have always wanted a bamboo bicycle until you round a corner and there it is! Test your knowledge on this engine - not even the owners know what it's from. ( We found out later.)
Books and bicycles, catalogues and cans, cars of all sizes and a lady from Devizes. I'm starving, it's lunch time, I could do with a beer, but I need a magneto, there must be one here?
Bonhams hold an auction on saturday and there's a wonderful barn-fresh Napier that takes our fancy. Then there's the museum of course which could easily occupy a whole day. It is impossible to see everything, but we shall have a good try. We even saw some Hippos last year!
When you're tired and thirsty there's nothing better than a nice cup of tea served by English Roses with home made cake. Once fortified, than back to the fray to search for that elusive thingamajig you need for your shelf. Then it's time to prepare for the evening when everyone comes alive again to eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we start all over again with the public arriving in their thousands ready to buy more old and rusty stuff.
Text Robin Batchelor, pictures courtesy Beaulieu and the author.