Show Report 2009
Monday, 20 July 2009
Saturday 27th June 2009 was the date for the new A.O.V.C Classic Show in Ballymena. A lot of very hard work and preparation had gone into the setting up of this show which was sponsored by Ballymena Council, Classic & Collectable Club Insurances Ltd and Irish Vintage Scene.
The day dawned bright as the A.O.V.C Directors arrived to open the gates at 7.00am, anticipating the long and busy day ahead, they were not disappointed, already a queue of Traders were waiting to gain entry to the event.
The pattern continued late into the morning as all 1,175 entrants were placed and parked in their respective areas including 10 entry's from GB, with the oldest vehicle being a 1904 Renault owned by Sean Glynn from Ballymena and the best club stand was the Morris Minor Owners Club with their Snow White & Seven Minors theme.
Other awards went to the 'furthest travelled overall' and was won by Colin & Samantha Billingham from Gosport in Hants with their 1930 Austin 16/6 Burnham Saloon. Colin & Samantha had spent five weeks in Ireland, taking in the show as part of their trip. The furthest travelled in Ireland was James Kelly from Killarney in a 1973 MGB Roadster.
A highlight of the day was commentary from motoring historian Graham Robson, who gave an extremely knowledgeable account of the Mini display, representing 50 years of the Mini. Mini owners in the Mini 50 area all received a beautiful hand crafted Mini birthday card featuring a 3D Mini along with a souvenir Mini keyring and the winner of the Mini contest set by Graham Robson was won by local man David Pattison.
Graham also gave accounts on other vehicles during the course of the day; this was much appreciated and enjoyed by spectators and owners alike. Those who had pre-entered the event all received a Sealey Tools 60 LED light as their finishers award; with a RRP of £46.00 these were exceptionally well received.
The interest and fun did not end there as there was something to interest every man, woman and child, with a large craft marquee housing a craft fair and model displays. Outside there were remote controlled model vehicles again proving popular with all ages. When the need for a rest and sustenance occurred there was a food village catering for all tastes, giving renewed energy to carry on and view the timed tractor assembly, fire service demonstration, bucking bronco and large amusement area. Add to this a large area of 72 Autojumblers /Trade stands and a vintage/classic cars for sale section and you had a recipe for a successful and very enjoyable fun filled family day out.
It was a tired but well pleased group of A.O.V.C directors who headed homeward late on the Saturday night, however now fully recovered, work has begun again for next year with the date set for Saturday 26th June 2010, so record this in your dairy as one not to be missed.
Janet Treanor, AOVC Director
10th July 2009
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Admission Adult £5.00, Child £3.00, Concession £3.00, Family Ticket £10.00
