HUNGERFORD ARCADE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

HUNGERFORD ARCADE

40TH ANNIVERSARY

UPDATE

Sunday, 9th September, Hungerford Arcade held its Anniversary Celebrations.  A very special visitor arrived, Peg Collins, who, with her husband, John, were the very first owners of Hungerford Arcade.  John worked tirelessly to convert a grocery shop into an antiques centre.  Over the years there have been many changes to Hungerford Arcade and its present owners, Adrian Gilmore and Hazel Browne have added their indelible stamp to the Arcade.  Adrian has worked seven days a week and through the night to improve the Arcade to the wonderful experience that it is today!   Members of the public arrived very early to join in the festivities.  Children were given presents of old monetary coins in special envelopes with the history of old money.  Inside the door of the Arcade was a large table with drinks and cake for everyone!  The special guest, Jonty Hearnden, arrived at 1.00 p.m. he gave a wonderful speach about Hungerford Arcade and how very special it is in the world of antiques and collectables and called on the public to carry-on supporting the Arcade as they have done for many years, to raptuous applause.  The public were enthralled! Jonty then cut the magnificent cake, much to the delight of everyone, signed autographs and then walked around the Arcade meeting people, signing more autographs and thoroughly enjoying himself. There were fourteen classic cars and their owners from the West Berkshire Vintage Classic Club which caused a lot of excitement and pleasure. The first to arrive was a beautiful and special black Daimler Drophead Coupe, (year to follow) one of two which was specially made.  This one for the Norwegian Ambassador and the other for Marlene Detriech! A very old Post Office van (year to follow) also arrived outside the Arcade delivering special celebratory good wishes.  The cars were lined up along the road and in the car park at the rear.  They had a terrific day, raising money for their charity, Lukaemia & Lymphoma Reseach.   Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum Trust at Calne also came and raised £100 for the Museum by selling raffle tickets,  The prize is for a stunning 1979 Triumph Dolomite 1500 which will be drawn in December.   This very special day at Hungerford Arcade will be remembered by everyone for a very long time, 

Rita