Steeple Gathering 2023: Full details of fundraiser to help save Maldon District churches this Sunday

By Honey Lock 19th Aug 2023

Local News by Honey Lock 19th Aug 2023

A community event will be held near Mayland this Sunday (August 20), to raise funds for local churches in dire need of repair.

This year's Steeple Gathering will be held at Little Ashtree Farm in Steeple Road, Mayland. It will be open to the public from 11am until 4pm with exhibitors arriving earlier in the day.

The event has been organised on behalf of Steeple Church and would usually be held in a field opposite the church itself. However, the location has been changed to a field between Steeple and Mayland this year.

Peter Marshall, who is organising the event, told Nub News: "The event will boast a variety of historical vintage or classic vehicles ranging from cars, trucks or tractors and even motorcycles."

There will also be some stationary vehicles at the event that were previously used to drive milking machines and water pumps, "a selling point" for vintage car enthusiasts as they are not seen at many local shows. Refreshments will be served in a marquee for locals to enjoy, including tea, cake, a burger van, beer tent and a local gin trailer.

"One or two of the motorcycles at the event have been in some films," Peter added.

"I have a friend who lives in Steeple who restores old Triumph motorcycles - some of them going back a hundred years.

"One of the motorcycles most likely to be at the event has featured in one of the more recent James Bond films"

Peter was inspired to host the event by a group of vehicle collectors based around Southminster and Tillingham. They wanted to put on a show in conjunction with the local churches so profits would go directly to them.

Last year, the Gathering raised £2,000 to go towards repairing churches in the Maldon District.

Peter added: "I hope the event will be nostalgia trip for many, as a lot of people in the area have their own special connection and story when it comes to vintage cars."

"I'd also like to thank Duncan McLaren for allowing us to use the field as a venue for the event."