Rhyl Revs it Up - Secret Plus Size Goddess

Wednesday, 8th June 2022

A few weeks ago I was in Wales for a little bit of vintage fun.

I had spent a fair amount of time in Portmeirion, falling in love with the beautiful location and all of its quirky features and embellishments.

I also had the opportunity to attend a fantastic vintage car event around 5 miles outside of Rhyl and saw some divine motors and some unexpected forms of transit too!

The North Wales Classic Car and Motorbike Show opened at 10am but I arrived relatively late in the day. There were, however still more classic cars arriving, so thankfully I hadn’t missed anything.

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The event was held on a large field near to a stately home, Bodrhyddan Hall.

Whilst the open space was amazing to fit all of the vehicles, stalls and other vintage delights, it was quite uneven and bumpy which made navigating around a bit stressful on my knee.

Thankfully I had taken my walking stick with me and this enabled me to walk around for a few hours, admiring the cars, bikes and more.

It was wonderful chatting with the various owners as they are so enthusiastic about their cars and are more than happy to talk with people about their passion.

Even though the cars are there on show, I always like to ask permission before posing in front of someone else’s car.

I think it is only right AND respectful. It usually gets people talking more and sharing extra little bits of detail that I love to hear.

The car show was both right up my street and also not my cup of tea!

That doesn’t make a lot of sense until you realise that the show was for many genres and ages of cars.

Alongside a 1932 Bentley was a Ford Escort and a Smart car. Beautiful classic Morgan sports cars were in the same field as a shiny blue Subaru.

There was even a section for American vintage pre and post 1960. It was a real mixed bag.

Obviously I gravitated towards the vintage/classic genres.

Morgans, Triumphs, Bentleys and little two seater sports cars, brands unknown but none the less beautiful made my eyes glaze over and my heart skip a few beats.

I had an amazing chat with the owner of the 1932 Bentley. She was so very proud of her car, saying it fulfilled a lifelong dream.

To be honest, I wasn’t surprised. The car was exquisite; large leather seats, wooden dash and interior and huge headlights all signposted the luxury brand.

The large ‘B’ hood ornament was a work of art in itself. The real icing on the cake, as it was. We spoke for quite awhile, whilst her husband sat in a camping chair, relaxing.

She went on to say that car buffs always seem to think that the car belongs to her husband and loves the looks on their face when they talk to him about the engine capacity or horsepower and he shakes his head and says ‘I don’t have a clue, ask her!’

I loved talking with her as she was a real ray of positivity and enthusiasm when it came to her beloved lady. I have to admit it was my favourite car of the whole event.

Another favourite was a VW camper which had an awning and featured a Tiki-Bar theme. I would absolutely love to own a camper like that and use it to travel to all my vintage events and shows. I think it would suit me and the floofy boy down to the ground!

Walking around I was amazed by some of the more colourful exhibits such as the large motorbikes, trailers and trikes.

Hand painted art work bedecked the fronts, tanks and even the seats of some of the bikes. There were mermaids, skulls, monsters and beautiful scenes of wildlife.

All of them were absolutely gorgeous.

Then came some a real retro display; Chopper bikes!

Anyone from the 70’s could recognize the long handlebars, orange gearstick and long thin saddle. An iconic symbol of its time, one that thousands of children dreamt of opening up on Christmas Day.

I have to admit to being a bit too young to have or want a Chopper. Being born in ’74, when it was time for a big bike, the 80’s had hit and all I wanted was a Raleigh shopper with a cute vintage straw basket on the front!

That hadn’t changed much when I came across Retro Rides UK a company that makes vintage style e-bikes.

And oh boy, did I want one!

Stunning bikes that just happen to be electric AND look so very cool, really ticked all my boxes. I loved the individual styling with old fashioned leather saddles, headlights and what looks like a ‘fuel tank’ which can be changed depending on your mood.

I loved the idea that you could change the colour of the bike by removing one ‘shell’ and clipping another in its place. The sparkling, glittery red set really hit all the spots as well as being for a bike that is both environmentally and economically friendly.

I had a fabulous chat with the owner of the company who happily talked about his creations and offered to let me straddle one of the bikes.

As much as I would have loved to have given it a go, I was more concerned that my knee would give way and I would go down, bike and all!

Sadly I made do with a picture standing next to my favourite, a blue and white number that would be my absolutely go to, if I had the funds to order one.

Moving on, I took hundreds of photographs until my knee really started to twinge and I knew that I probably had to call it a day, especially as I still had a 3+ hour drive ahead of me.

The Welsh countryside was beautiful in the afternoon sunlight and I absolutely adored the views as I slowly drove back across the Country.

For my first proper visit to Wales, it was a complete success and I intend on going back again soon. In fact, I am already looking up events and places to stay.

Oh and in case you were wondering what I wore?

As some of the pictures show, some rather snazzy plaid high waisted trousers, braces, a spearpoint collar shirt, vintage cravat, a lovely pair of brogues and a straw boater which I interspersed with a black bowler hat when the weather changed.