Dromara Vintage show next week

Organised by the Dromara Vintage and Classic Club and with all proceeds donated to local charities the show will take place on Saturday June 13 at the village football grounds on the Rathfriland Road.

Led by their chairman Brian McGrillen the enthusiastic committee has drawn up ambitious plans for this year’s event.

A special display of fire engines from the 1950’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s will be only one of many attractions alongside a selection of Ford tractors and scores of lovingly restored vintage vehicles.

To keep the children happy a full programme of entertainment - including the universally popular bouncy castle - will be laid on along with various exhibits, vendors and trade stands.

But the stars of the Dromara show will be the old vehicles including the 1939 Marshall (Model M) Agricultural Tractor owned by local man Griff Morrow. His father James who farmed in Lismore bought the tractor new and Griff spent five years on its restoration.

Tom McCann has owned his 1974 Ford Escort for 12 years and has the original bill of sale revealing that the car was bought for a total of £1,330 - and that included 8 per cent VAT and £25 road fund licence.

Those of the grandparent-generation will fondly remember learning to drive in the 105E Ford Anglia - with its revolutionary sloping read windscreen - the very essence of mid-60’s cool.

Clement Flanagan’s dark blue 1967 model is one of the last Anglia’s built and it too will be on show in Dromara.

The reliability and durability of the farmer’s friend, the Land Rover Series 3, is legendary and David Thompson’s 1973 model proves the point as he uses it every day on his Dromara farm. But this trusty old motor will also be having a day off on Saturday 13 to go to the show.

“We are very grateful to Dromara Football Club and the cooperation of the members for the use of their excellent facilities on the Rathfriland Road and to Mr Robert Fee for the use of his grounds for parking,” said Mr. McGrillan.

“There was a great turnout last year and we look forward to welcoming everyone back as well as new visitors this year.”