Well-supported Clonduff Vintage Day raises £6,180 for charities

The event raised £6,180, which meant this year’s three charities – TinyLife, The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Life and Time - each received cheques for £1,800.

The organisers thanked the many people who made the event so successful, beginning with the drivers who brought along their tractors, cars and lorries.

They also thanked John Farnon and the management committee of Hilltown Farmers’ Attested Sales, for the use of their facilities free of charge. They were also grateful to Christine, who allowed the use of her kitchen in the sale yard also free of charge.

The ladies served the food donated by the Downshire Arms Hotel, Katie O’s Café, and Brendan Murray, who sponsored all the milk used on the day, and committee family members who supplied other food items.

A special thanks was also sent to all the volunteer stewards who turned up on the day to help with parking, stewarding and driver registrations; the people who stood out on the roads all day with buckets collecting money; the bike crew led by Kieran Kelly who supervised the various road junctions; and Dermot Fitzpatrick for the use of his trailer.

Clonduff Vintage and Classic Car Club said they wished to acknowledge and thank the businesses and individuals who made a financial contribution toward the running of this year’s event.

These included: Mackins Accident Repair Centre, Hilltown (main event sponsor); The Downshire Arms Hotel, Hilltown; Brendan Murray (The Milkman) Hilltown; Katie O’s, Hilltown; UFU, who sponsored the insurance for the event; O’Rourke Motors, Banbridge; Loughview Timber, Gilford; Fegan Transport, Gilford; Joe McAleenan Hardware, Banbridge; Declan Stewart Joinery & PVC, Banbridge; Walcon Transportation, Banbridge; Raymac, Hardware & Hire, Annaclone; John McNulty, Newry Auto Centre Ltd; Paul McArdle; Brendan Quinn; Down Drains, Downpatrick; Mary McCabe, McCabe Fine Furnishings, Newry; Stephen Pollard, Warrenpoint.

Thanks were also extended to other sponsors who did not wish to be named.

The organisers were grateful to all the individuals who bought tickets for the big draw, which was made on the day. Congratulations went to the following winners:

1st: £300 voucher for Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen (sponsored by Mackins Accident and Repair Centre) - winner John Edgar, Kilkeel.

2nd: £100 shopping voucher (sponsored by Ward’s Rockmount, Newry) - won by Geraldine Starrs, Balella.

3rd: £50 voucher (sponsored by Killens Plant Hire, Mayobridge) – winner Peter Murphy, Banbridge.

4th: £50 voucher (sponsored by The Satellite Service Station, Hilltown) – won by Fiona Fitzpatrick, Hilltown.

5th: £50 cash voucher (sponsored by Clonduff Vintage Club) – won by Eagle Registration, Portadown.

Finally, thanks were sent to the committee and their families for “the tremendous amount of work they carry out to ensure this charitable tradition continues year after year. See you all next year.”