Kilbroney Vintage Show 2016 Roundup
The Kilbroney Vintage Show, now in its 31st year, took place last weekend in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor. With nearly 1750 registered cars it was one of the biggest and best events of the year attracting more than 30,000 visitors.
This year broke all records in the Kilbroney Vintage Show history and with at least 65 trade stalls, 110 auto jumblers, food stalls, music venues, amusements and entertainment, it was a grand day out for all.
The Kilbroney Vintage Show is organised by the Newry Lions Club and The Kilbroney Vintage Show Committee. Modern Tyres are very proud to have been involved this year again as the main sponsor as we have been for many years.
Visitors travelled from all over the country and as far afield as Scotland, England and Wales. The furtherest registered distance was travelled by John Hall from England who travelled 432 miles in his 1985 Capri.
With 1750 registered entries, there where lots of vehicle categories to see including but not limited to, Vintage cars, Classic cars, cars of interest, modern classic, tractors, diggers and vintage farm machinery.
The oldest car there deserves a special mention. It was a 1912 Flanders 20 of which there are approximately only 3 (or so) left in the world.
Car of the show went to Jim Hutchinson with his Jaguar XK140 Coupe. Tractor, Jackie Robinson. Motorcycle, Robert Dixon. Stationary engine, Robert Graham. Small commercial vehicle, Mervyn Phillips. Large commercial vehicle, Gareth Gilchrist. Trike, Glenda McAvinney. Best club stand, Ford Fiesta. Most unusual item - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Oldest Vehicle, Raymond McMullan. Furthest travelled, John Hall, England.
Some famous cars were presented at the show such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the General Lee with the appearance of a few DeLorean with their famous Back to the Future looks.
As a backdrop to Kilbroney Park stands the impressive 4,000 acre Rostrevor Forest rising sharply from 30m to 500m above sea level. Planted in 1931 mostly with coniferous species, the forest has a breathtaking two mile forest drive providing panoramic views over Carlingford Lough, an old oak plantation dating from the 18th Century, the famous 40 tonnes "Cloughmore" or "Big Stone" and a host of animals ranging from grouse and irish jays to pine martens, red and grey squirrels, foxes and badgers.The park offers a wide range of facilities and services, which include tennis courts, childrens play area, playing fields, an arboretum, barbeque and picnic areas and cafe. A well serviced caravan and camping site caters for 52 touring vans and 30 tents and has full electrical hook-up facilities, water, TV links and a toilet and amenity block. Laundry services are available at the park's reception area.
Pictures courtesy of ©Brian McCalmont and Jim Murphy.