Graham Robson

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

Some time ago I flew to North America to take part in a major classic car event, where several people asked me the same question:

‘Why travel so far, just to see us?’

My answer also applies to any of my visits to Ireland, to join the AOVC in celebrating the wonderful old-car movement which has grown up. All I need say is that I wish there were more of them – and I could visit them all. I just love to be among so many fine historic machines, talking to so many dedicated owners, and to commentate on the very best Irish cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and militaria which gather here. I will never get bored of looking at some very rare machinery, which are so lovingly preserved, and beautifully displayed.

In 2009, this will be a very special visit to Ireland for me, for a similar event planned for 2008 was washed away due to the appalling weather we all suffered. At a show like this, as I’m sure you know, my job is commentate on almost everything I see moving around the arena, particularly the machines which are persuaded into a place so flatteringly called the Graham Robson Parade Ring in the middle of the site. If you have heard me gushing over some of the rare cars I have seen in Ireland, in earlier years – a 1904 Rolls-Royce, a 1920s Bentley, a World War Two staff car, and a De Lorean DMC12 for instance - you will realise that I just love talking about the mass of wonderful machinery which has been preserved here in Ireland.

There are a few occasions on these visits when I have been stunned into silence (which is very rare for Robson with a microphone in his hand), by being confronted by a historic machine about which I know nothing – nothing at all. Last time I was over here, it was the first time in three years that it had occurred. Although that rarity was a single-seater invalid carriage which could either be hand-propelled or driven by a motorcycle engine, that was no sort of excuse. I should have known better. This year, I’m told, well over 1,200 vehicles will be on show – and I’m hoping that some of them will be equally rare and fascinating. One thing’s for sure – I am already looking forward to talking about anything and everything which I see moving at this exciting new venue near Ballymena.

Part of the charm of this show – and the parades which take place in the ring - is the sheer variety of the machinery. As I’ve often said before, the opportunity to talk about a Ferrari …. then a vintage Rolls-Royce …. an Austin Seven …. a Norton motorcycle ….or an old fire engine, is something we rarely see in these islands. Is such an AOVC event unique? It is, in many ways – not least the warm welcome it gives to all the visitors – I’m quite sure of that.

During an average Show season, I commentate at many other shows (I’ve just been booked to appear in California in 2009), but as far as I am concerned, any AOVC event is special: I know it is the largest and the friendliest of all. It is a great day out for everyone involved, whether as exhibitors, or as visitors, and I still feel enormously privileged to be a part of an event that not only gives pleasure to thousands, but also raises lots of money for deserving charities.

Do I have to remind anyone that, from listening to my voice, in the ring, you can hear my real love for Ireland and its motoring enthusiasts? As ever, on behalf of all the hard-working volunteers who make this Show possible, I want to welcome everyone – visitors, entrants, club officials, and everyone involved in the classic vehicle movement here – to Ballymena. We are looking forward to a stunning, visually exciting, and fascinating weekend in this magnificent setting – and we hope everyone enjoys themselves.

Graham Robson

Our Newsletter

Featured Gallery