CLARAGH BRIDGE VINTAGE SHOW - 28TH JULY 2012

Claragh Bridge cross-community Vintage, Classic and Agricultural show is held annually just outside Castlewellan.  Although this is the ninth year of this event, this was the first time that most of us had attended.

With boot fully loaded for another day out, my husband, son and I in our SD1, arrived at Dobbies Garden Centre at 9.55am, 5 minutes ahead of schedule.   The Rover 100 and 2 occupants were already packed up waiting.   About 5 minutes later the Rover 75 and 4 occupants arrived.   The Rover 25 didn't show it's face until 10.15 am... these people really need to get new alarm clocks!

We spent a few minutes chatting before heading off towards Claragh Bridge.   No one was sure of the route, but I had rough directions, so it was decided that the SD1 would lead the way.   The trip was uneventful; no one broke down or got lost!   

Once we got through Ballynahinch the route was clearly signposted.  We arrived in the field, parked up and headed off to the registration tent where we paid the entrance fee

and received our number, meal ticket and finishers award - a lovely cruet set.

From here we strolled around the stalls with the toy car collectors amongst us trying to sniff out a bargain, before we headed back to our cars.   Back at the cars the Rover 25 was washed and polished, while the Rover 100 was polished.

 

Approaching 1pm, a large black cloud began moving towards us, so the 25 owner, my husband, son and I decided to make our way to the marquee to cash in our meal tickets.   As we ate our stew and sandwiches it started pouring down.   With our food eaten, we took a walk around another part of the marquee, where we viewed a wide range of handcrafted items that were for sale, sampled locally made fudge and cupcakes and received free windup torches.

With the rain over, we left the marquee and went for a stroll around the vehicles on display.  The cars, tractors, lorries, motorbikes, steam engines were all very well presented. 

This was very well organised event, with a very good turnout of vehicles (approximately 250 cars on display) and spectators.   It was a family orientated event with something for everyone.   There was live music, bouncy castles, helicopter rides, blacksmith demonstration and threshing demonstration.

The heavy showers, most of which only lasted a few minutes, throughout the afternoon meant that we had to dive for cover on a number of occasions but we didn't let the rain dampen our enthusiasm or spirits.  Around 3pm it started to rain very heavily, this resulted in a lot of exhibitors leaving. 

At 3.30, much later than expected, a MG ZT arrived, the driver of it was slightly frustrated as it had taken him over 2 hours getting from Belfast - he had taken a wrong turn and ended up on a mystery tour/major detour.  This is the first and only event that this car will be at an event in Northern Ireland. It has been off the road for over 2 years, while the changed the engine and gave it a major over haul including a respray and is going to its new owner, in Scotland.

At 4pm it was still pouring and the exhibitors were leaving in droves, it was decided that we would leave the field before it go any muckier.  The Rover 100 lead the way as we figured that he would be able to find a nice spot for us to barbecue.

Soon we were pulling into a lay-by at the side of the main road over looking a lake.  It was decided that this would be suitable for our barbecue.   Thankfully the rain had stopped and we set about cooking, eating and chatting.   

With bellies filled and everyone starting to feel chilly it was decided that it was time to head for home.

We all thoroughly enjoyed this show, despite the weather.  We were very impressed by the number of vehicles on display and the number of activities for the children.   Another show that we will be attending next year.