From a Bongo campervan passion project to a cool Aston Martin DB6, every one’s a classic at award-winning West Berks pub

No, it wasn’t an ad hoc campsite pitched in the back field of The Bell at Aldworth on Saturday afternoon, but the renovated Mazda Bongo belonging to Maria Landovski on display at the informal meet of classic vehicles.

Mrs Landovski, who has been working on the van since 2018, said a lot had to be done, including fitting out the interior. “It was very boring before: grey and brown. Now it’s not,” she said. “ I also have a Mercedes Benz, but I prefer to drive this,” she laughed.

It was a family affair for the Landovskis, as her paint specialist husband Derek also pitched up with their son Max, showing his 2000 Harley-Davidson Dyna, a motorcycle known for its unique frame and suspension. He too was happy to talk to enthusiasts about all the hard work that gone into its tune up and road/race conversion and the paintwork he had carried out himself.

And among the classics, with its owner of 10 years James Richardson, was a 1960s DB6 in ‘James Bond’ silver. Which never fails to please a crowd.

The meet, usually held on a Sunday, had a late change of date, and was brought forward to avoid clashing with other upcoming events in the area. It came a week after the Ridgeway pub was presented with the CAMRA Regional Pub of the Year award.