THE QUEEN'S DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS, CASTLE PARK BANGOR, 4TH JUNE 2012

This was a two day event organised by The Northern Ireland Morris Minor Owners Club (MMOC) in conjunction with North Down Borough Council.  

Four members of the Classic Rover Club (NI) decided to go along on the Monday.  It was arranged that we would meet at The Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra at 9.00am (typically the person who lived the closest to Cultra was the last to arrive).  From here the 4 cars travelled in convoy to Bangor.    

FLORAL DISPLAY AT THE ENTRANCE 
OF CASTLE PARK, BANGOR

When we parked in our allocated spot, we set about decorating the cars with flags, bunting and balloons, before taking a walk around the other vehicles on display.

CLASSIC ROVER ON DISPLAY AT 
THE JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

The Ulster Military Vehicle Club had a number of vehicles on display including a “Shoreland” which was built by Shorts and a Bedford lorry.   My husband and one of our other members (who would love to own an ex-military vehicle) spent quite a bit of time under trying to fix the air brakes!

  

The good weather ensured a good turnout of spectators and cars, most of which were decorated with flags and bunting for the occasion.  The cars on display that caught my eye included a Karman Ghia, a Jaguar XK 150, a Volkswagen Beetle and a  Volvo ES 1800.

KARMAN GHIA

JAGUAR XK 150

STUNNING WHEELS ON THE JAGUAR XK 150

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

VOLVO ES 1800

Throughout the day we all took the opportunity to view the stalls in the courtyard that were selling vintage clothing, furniture and jewellery and cupcakes.

A STUNNING SELECTION OF
CUPCAKES THAT WERE FOR SALE

A complimentary lunch consisting of sandwiches, shortbread, crisps, buns and a drink was served at 1pm, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. 

Following lunch we lazed about, people watching and chatting and enjoying the glorious sunshine.  

One of our members stopped the stilt walkers for a chat and a photograph, (which he quickly regretted) they called him "Sir Grinsalot".  They were very entertaining and their repertoire left him red faced and speechless - the first time I’ve ever seen him stuck for words!  

One of the children in our group, spent ages completing the quiz and was rewarded by winning joint first prize, we were all very proud of her.

Towards the end of the show I took a short stroll around the lawns where I listened to The Ulster Orchestra rehearsing for their evening performance.  I then had a look around the marque that was decked out with furniture from the the 1950's, some of was in original condition and some of it had been refurbished.  I was surprised when I realised that much of this furniture is now back in vogue, in 2012.

REFURBISHED 1950'S STYLE FURNITURE

Around 5.30pm the finishers awards were handed out, signalling the end of the show.

This was a very well organised event, with something for all ages.  Thanks to the glorious weather and the good company we all had a fantastic day out – the perfect way to celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.