The popular former publican of Dungog’s Bank Hotel, Bruce Clark, was sadly missed from the event he had strongly supported.

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An indication of the high regard in which he was held was the creation of the Rumble’s new Best In Show award; The Bruce Clark Memorial Trophy.

The Rumble is a charity show and shine event, raising funds for local causes.

Fundraising activities include raffles and an auction of car-related and other useful items.

One of the more hotly contested items is the Rumble bonnet.

It is an actual used car bonnet, painted by a local artist.

Last year’s bonnet bore an image of the Bank Hotel, where the Rumble is held, and was purchased by Bruce Clark.

It still hangs in the pub.

This year’s bonnet featured a caricature of Bruce with a broad-grin, popping his head through the sunroof of the Rumble hot rod, while waving and doing a burnout.

The background was a silhouetted Bank Hotel and monument, with lights shining brightly.

The bonnet sold for an event record of $3800 to his daughter Clare, who wants it to remain at the Bank Hotel.

Bruce Clark died in May.

During Saturday’s event, committee members, locals and visitors remembered his zest for life and contribution to the community.

His wife Eileen expressed her gratitude for all the tributes and noted how he “was loved far and wide”.

This year’s Rumble proceeds will be split between eight junior sporting teams from around the Dungog Shire.

By Lisa WISEMAN