An event that showcases hundreds of vehicles from bygone days could become a thing of the past itself, if it can’t rustle up some new blood to bring back the show next year.
Forres Theme Day has suffered from a dwindling committee, and with two years missed due to Covid, it is going into overdrive to find four new committee members.
Chairman Robbie Paterson said: “Sadly two members of our committee have died and others have either moved away or decided that they have done their bit and retired.
“As we are only four strong, we could desperately do with a handful of committee members and helpers on the day for traffic control and car parking etc.
“Without new people, we would have to consider winding up theme day because the four of us can’t put on the show.”
Robbie emphasised that the role isn’t particularly onerous, and an interest in vehicles and a bit of common sense is all that’s needed.
“We all help with fundraising, contacting likely competitors and exhibitors and on the day set-up and clean-up in the park ensuring that everyone enjoyed the day,” he added.
“The only role that would require a skill is that of treasurer.”
Thousands of spectators
He said the event brings visitors to the town and provides entertainment.
“We usually have between two and three hundred entries, ten to twenty stalls, and in the region of 1500 to 2000 spectators.”
The name ‘Forres Theme Day’ came from the original committee as for the first few years entrants dressed in costume in the period of their vehicle.
Other years the theme would be be a specific make or model, or of an automotive anniversary. Themes were dropped as the committee considered that we can run the risk of repeating ourselves it was also becoming increasingly difficult to find enough vehicles to fit a specific theme.
Committee members would need to attend a few meetings from this month until the day which is set for 30 April 2023.
If you’d like to offer help, please email us and we’ll pass on your details.