Sun shines on Vintage Rally

With over 300 vintage and classic vehicles on show, ranging from a Military lorry to a small engine from a potato sorter, there was much interest shown in all of the various classes.

George Fulton from Cullybackey brought his pre- 1920 Austin to the show, accompanied by three of his colleagues from the Austion Classic club and there was even the A-Team van and the General Lee car, driven by brothers Tommy and Albert Cunningham from Carndonagh. A large show of tractors ranged from the Porter collection of David Browns to the vintage John Deere's owned by Peter Nutt.

There were numerous 'wee grey Fergies' and Fords of all sizes to name but a few of the many tractors of yesteryear. A big display of bicycles by Limavady cyclist enthusiast Chris Sharp was on show and a good range of motor cycles, whilst the Classic Scrambler club had a stand showing their bikes and helping publicise their next meeting in the nearby Kilcatten, Claudy circuit to be held on Esmond Evans farm on Saturday 26th June. Stationary engines were also in abundance and the work of all exhibitors was a sight to be seen as they glistened in the beautiful sunshine.

Amusements and the Irish Air Ambulance Helicopter Simulator proved popular with the children and indeed quite a number of Adults, whilst for those interested in shopping, there were over 70 boot stalls plus 10 craft stalls in the marquee.

The Ulster-American folk park sent along two of their demonstration staff, both dressed in period costume who displayed the arts of spinning wool and woodwork using old tools.

The Fire and Rescue Service with the help of the Red Cross acting the role of Paramedics, put on a display of how they deal with cutting a person out of a vehicle involved in a road accident, whilst local character Jim Nicholas put on a display of lifting 56lb weights, challenging all-comers to take him on. The Sperrin Kickers showed off their line-dancing skills and the Ballyarnett and Ardinariff Scottish Country Dancers gave a display of Ceilidh dancing. Music was provided by Draperstown duo 'Secrets' and the Teas in the marquee were by the Claudy Combat Cancer Group, who are the beneficiaries of the proceeds of the Rally.

Organiser, William Houston, thanked all the many local businesses who supported the Vintage Club by advertising in the programme, donating raffle prizes or taking support adverts in the local papers. He also thanked all those present, especially the many exhibitors of vintage vehicles / bikes, classic cars and stationery engines, many of whom came long distances to attend the rally.

The Winners of the various classes were:

Best Vintage or Classic Car:

1962 MG Midget Mk. 1 owned by Andy Lindsay of Drumahoe, Londonderry

Best Ferguson / Massey-Ferguson Tractorand Best Overall Tractor:

Won for the second year in succession by Paul Smith from Maghera, with his 1963 Massey-Ferguson MF 35 [Multi Power]

Best Commercial Vehicle:

Bedford 4-wheel drive Military Lorry and Trailer, recently purchased and refurbished. Owned by Peter Eakin of Claudy

Best Motorcycle:

1957 BSA B31 owned by Davy Harper of Limavady

Best Stationary Engine:

1920 Ruston-Hornsby Engine, recently refurbished by Nigel Craig from Killaloo, Londonderry.