Classic car club look forward to show day
When the bright orange Ford Capri pulled up outside the Examiner office last week, it caused a mild fuss as staff went out to admire it, in a perfect illustration of how old cars mean so much to people, whether they are petrolheads or not.
The owner of this example is Avril Flynn, the PRO of Mullingar Classic and Vintage Club, who are holding their third annual show and family fun day at Columb Barracks on Sunday July 19.
Avril can fairly described as a petrolhead, and a Ford one at that. Giving the Examiner a spin in her 1981 Capri 2.0 litre S to help publicise the event, she said she “has always been a Ford lover” though she can offer no real explanation as to why.
Her interest in cars comes through the family, she says, and though they aren’t all Ford fans, her commitment began with her first car, a Mondeo, which is still her everyday drive, and continued when she bought the Capri in 2009.
“That was when I could afford to buy one,” said Avril, “but I have a general attraction to Fords, and I attended a lot of shows and car events down through the years, even before I had my own car.”
She had the Capri completely rebuilt in the two years after she got it, and did all the work apart from the specialised tasks herself. Its first outing post-rebuild was to transport the bridesmaids for a friend’s wedding in June 2011.
Avril’s car will be just one of many on display at the barracks this Sunday.
The club have issued an open invite to anyone with an interest in things mechanical. It’s not restricted to cars, or even vehicles: they are keen to have as many people as possible along to participate in the day and enjoy it.
The main categories will be cars, vans, jeeps, trucks, tractors, stationary engines, motorbikes, vintage as well as classic and pre-war, and club members are especially encouraging auto jumblers and other trade stalls, who will enjoy free entry (booking is essential).
There will be a motor show of modern cars too, as the local dealers display their 152 models, and craft makers and sellers are also welcome. (The food stalls and catering stands are already booked out.)
With Eddie Rockets on site, Ray Dolan as MC and Midlands 103 doing a live broadcast, plus lots of entertainment for the children, from the rodeo bull to face painting and bouncy castles, the scene is set for a great day out, which is also supporting Good2Talk and St Brigid’s School in Mullingar.
Admission is €5, which includes meal vouchers and finishers’ awards for exhibitors.
• Contact Mullingar Classic and Vintage Club on 089 486 2744 and via Facebook.