Co Armagh Vintage Vehicle Club is celebrating 50 years.
The Club was formed in 1975 following a chance meeting between the late Bob Dowey and the late Hugh Grant.
The pair met when Bob was getting his steam engine up and raring to go after having it completely restored.
This led to Bob asking Hugh to grow a field of corn for a days threshing. One thing led to another and, as Hugh was teaching Corkly pipe band at the time and mentioned to them what Bob and himself were planning, members thought it would be an opportunity to raise much needed funds for the band.
The band made the refreshments on the day and as was said “a serious” amount of money was raised. The rest, as they say, is history.
This year the ‘wee club with the big heart’ is celebrating its 50th anniversary. I’m sure none of the founders envisaged the club going so long.
Over the past 50 years the club has taken great pride in entertaining the public with a living history of how things used to be with vintage displays and threshing. In doing so they have raised in access of £100,000 for local charities.
This year is no exception with the club once again raising funds for Dementia N.I.
A Tractor Run will be held on Saturday, March 29 and is open to all tractors or classic cars. Registration is at 10am, Ballygorman School House, Ballydogherty Road, Loughgilly, opposite Simms. All welcome, and lunch will be served.
The Annual Vintage rally follows through on Saturday, August 2 in Gosford Forest Park, Markethill. Again all welcome, this is a great opportunity to view vintage, classic vehicles, machinery and watch a threshing display amongst other items. The Harvest rally finalises the Club’s 2025 events on Saturday, October 4, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
The Club is hoping for a bumper year providing the weather plays ball and have taken this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over the years.
