Record Turnout for Seaside Railway’s ‘Tin Snail Invasion’.

- Wed 10th Jan 2007

The 18th annual ‘Fils de Vitesse’ New Year’s Day Barbie, held this year for the second time with the support of Funland Amusement Park and the Hayling Seaside Railway, was a resounding success. Over sixty of the colourful and iconic French Citroen 2CV’s defied forecasts of inclement weather, to bring their very own brand of sunshine to Hayling seafront's Beachlands railway station.

Supporting the Guildford based Fils de Vitesse as always, were local 2CV group ‘The Pompey Puddleducks’, part of an extensive national network of Citroen enthusiasts. Such is the growing reputation of the Hayling gathering however, that one particularly keen couple drove their treasured 2CV all the way from the Isle of Sheppy in Kent, to join in the fun!

Somewhat shorter journeys were made by the vintage and veteran cars from the ‘Hayling Legends’, the Island’s very own classic car club who also turned out in support. Less than a year since their formation ‘The Legends’, have gone from strength to strength with a series of increasingly successful gatherings, at Mengham’s ‘Hayling Billy’ pub.

‘Fils de Vitesse’ organiser, Tony White was very pleased with the success of the 2007 gathering. “Many thanks to you all on Hayling for your support and enthusiasm for our event which is now a major item in the 2CV calendar - it has come a long way from three cars and a windbreak in the Beachlands car-park!”

Volunteers at the Hayling Seaside Railway are keen to promote Hayling as a popular rallying point for classic car enthusiasts, with plans already well advanced for their own second annual Transport Gathering on Saturday 20th May, to be held in conjunction with the ‘Double LL’ vintage car club and Funland Amusements.

Ian Edwards,
Hayling Seaside Railway.

All pictures courtesy of Tony White  "Fils de Vitesse"

By forum user, HIbot