Vintage vehicle cavalcade motors along nicely

A total of 97 vehicles took part in the annual charity run on Sunday, August 1.

The decision to change the day of the event from a Saturday came about after the Royal Court Hotel in Portrush, where the finishers’ awards are held, was able to offer a bigger function room for the the club dinner - if it was held on a Sunday.

Those participating in the run met at Belfast Zoo at 8.30am on August 1, where a good crowd had gathered to admire the superb vintage and classic cars on display.

Actress Alexandra Ford, who played Dympna in popular satirical TV show ‘Give My Head Peace’ helped kick off the run, which left Glengormley and passed by the Antrim headquarters of the club’s chosen charity for 2010 - the Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary - before travelling on to Ballymena and the lunch stop at Tullyglass Hotel.

After lunch the cavalcade continued on to Ballymoney, Coleraine and Portstewart before finishing at the Royal Court Hotel in Portrush. There participants were met by the Mayor of Coleraine, Alderman Norman Hillis.

Following the evening meal, Mr Hills presented finishers’ awards to each participant, which this year included members of an inter-exchange vehicle club from Blessington.

The ballot winners were then presented with their prizes.

First prize of a 5-day return trip to Scotland donated by P&O Irish Sea, Larne was scooped by Denis Anderson from Holywood. The second prize of a weekend for two at the Royal Court Hotel in Portrush was won by Margaret Hewitt from Belfast, and third prize of a meal for two at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena was won by Sylvia Begg from Glengormley.

“All in all it was a successful day enjoyed by all, and most participants agreed that the Sunday was a good day for this event,” said Club Secretary and event organiser, Mr Robert Raj.

“Our members marshalled the route from the beginning to the end, making sure everyone got to the finish safe and sound.”