Cruisers aid Air Ambulance appeal

Had the field at Horn's Corner, Catsfield, not been water-logged the Bexhill-based club's annual two-day Mid-Summer Picnic would have been in full swing.

The show had attracted pre-entries from owners of hot-rods, custom cars and "Yanks" from across the South East.

But though this was not to be and the show was cancelled, members and visiting rodders who had hoped to take part in the show were determined to make the most of what proved to be a glorious summer's evening.

They turned up in force at their customary monthly meeting place, the Mistral Bar at The Sackville.

De La Warr Parade was soon lined with an array of cars which quickly captured the interest of the many people out taking advantage of the weather.

Guest of honour was Paul Fox, local representative of the Sussex Air Ambulance Appeal.

The success of the appeal now means that Sussex has its own air ambulance helicopter. As Paul explained, it is based at Dunsfold airfield just over the Surrey border. With air ambulances now operating in Sussex, Kent and Surrey, a helicopter can be with a patient in critical need anywhere in the three counties within 15 minutes

But while the Government funds the aircraft's medical unit, it costs 4,000 a DAY to keep the helicopter running and staff it.

"That's 1.5m a year which has to be found through voluntary fund-raising," Paul explained.

Paul was present at the Cruisers' meeting to receive a cheque for 1,000, the proceeds of last year's Mid-Summer Picnic, from chairman Kim Freeman.

The promenade and Mistral garden were crowded as the presentation was made - appropriately over the front of a hot-rod.

Paul Fox said: "Obviously, with the amount of fund-raising we have to do money like this is most welcome and we are very grateful.

"The air ambulance is something that we feel strongly about. 'Charity begins at home' and you cannot get better than Sussex itself!"

He said the value of the air ambulance had been highlighted for him at a charity event when a mother showed him twin babies born after a mercy flight.

"Without the air ambulance I would have lost them," she told him.

Cruisers' chairman Kim Freeman said: "One week before their show, the 1066 Cruisers committee, had the toughest decision to make in their 10 years of hosting the ever-popular local show.

"Although, all wanted the show to go ahead, a realistic decision had to be made, based on information to hand (long range weather forecast),an equal vote for and against was finally decided by the chairman's casting vote.

"Ironically, the forecast changed, wall-to-wall sunshine, it was too late, the disappointing decision to cancel their show had been made."

Kim would like to thank all of the 1066 Cruisers committee, for their efforts in planning and then cancelling this year's show, also, the public for their support and understanding.

"We even had several phone calls from an understandably confused public, the RAC road signs (erected on Thursday) indicated all was well and the show field sign said "cancelled", thanks to Linda at Cee Jay signs, for very quickly making up 'Cancelled' signs, rectified this confusion."