The 1066 Classic Car Club celebrates 30th anniversary with special photoshoot outside The Crown Pub in Hartest Green, near Bury St Edmunds

A classic car club born out of a love for vintage vehicles and over a pint of beer has celebrated its 30th anniversary.

On Saturday, nearly 80 people gathered for a photoshoot outside The Crown Pub on Hartest Green, near Bury St Edmunds, to mark three decades since the 1066 Classic Car Club started.

Named after the B1066 road which runs through the village, the club was formed when two friends, Paul Woods and Nick Burton, were enjoying a couple of pints at the Hartest pub.

A few days later, about a dozen classic car enthusiasts joined the duo for the club’s first meeting, and 30 years later, that same passion is now shared among its 70 members.

“It’s astonishing that the club has kept going for so long,” said Paul.

“We decided that we were keen on classic cars, but we were not members of any clubs, so we decided to start one.

“We instantly had 30/40 people interested and then it grew from that.

“We found ourselves thinking how the time has flown. We are 30 years on, let’s look forward to the next 30 years.”

The club, which meets monthly at the The Queen’s Head pub in the neighbouring village Hawkedon, has around 200 cars between its members, with the oldest dating back to the early 1900s.

The club’s fleet includes Austin Healeys, MGs and Porsches as well as a few American cars, including an early Corvette.

When asked what has changed since the club was established, Paul said: “The atmosphere is as good as it ever was.

“The club hasn’t changed much. The running of the club has been relaxed, fun since its formation in 1994.”

Over the years, the club activities have grown beyond monthly meetings and now include multiple four to five-day club runs throughout the UK and Europe.

However, Paul added nothing brings more joy than a drive on a sunny day in the East Anglian countryside.