Annual Loanends vintage rally on horizon

Organisers have announced the seventh annual Loanends Vintage Tractor and Classic Car Road Run will also feature stationary displays and motorbikes.
Launching the 2016 Loanends vintage tractor road run are David McClure, left,  NFU Mutual Crumlin, sponsor; and organiser Robert Wallace, second right; with sponsors John and Darren McKinstry from McKinstry Skip Hire. Picture Julie HazeltonLaunching the 2016 Loanends vintage tractor road run are David McClure, left,  NFU Mutual Crumlin, sponsor; and organiser Robert Wallace, second right; with sponsors John and Darren McKinstry from McKinstry Skip Hire. Picture Julie Hazelton
Launching the 2016 Loanends vintage tractor road run are David McClure, left, NFU Mutual Crumlin, sponsor; and organiser Robert Wallace, second right; with sponsors John and Darren McKinstry from McKinstry Skip Hire. Picture Julie Hazelton

The event will take place in conjunction with a summer fete on Saturday 4th June - at Loanends Presbyterian Church on the Seven Mile Straight, near Antrim - in aid of church funds and marking the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

The vintage tractors will assemble at the church car park at 12 noon.

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Departing at 1pm, the tractor cavalcade will tour country roads in the Templepatrick, Lylehill and Ballymather area.

The classic cars and vintage motorbikes will gather at the assembly point at 12.30pm.

Cars will depart at 1.15pm and take a rural route including the Horse Shoe Bend, Hightown and Templepatrick.

Motorbikes will set off at 1.30pm and cover the Old Clady Circuit – venue for the first Ulster Grand Prix in 1922, which started at the old Loanends School.

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The entry fee of £10 per vehicle includes lunch for the driver/rider.

“Everyone is welcome,” said spokesperson Robert Wallace , “and entries will be accepted on the day.

“The event is now in its seventh year and we are looking forward to another successful and enjoyable day.”

The associated summer fete will feature stalls selling home produce, crafts, plants and refreshments as well as entertainment including Irish dancing, live music, and a model aircraft display.

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“We are also hosting a pet show at 2pm and are urging the younger visitors to bring their pets along,” said Mr Wallace. Entry is free and there are a host of prizes to be won.

“On behalf of the organisers I would like to thank the sponsors, McKinstry Skip Hire Ltd and NFU Mutual in Crumlin, for their financial support.”

Anyone interested in entering vintage tractors or stationary engines should contact Robert Wallace on 028 9443 2753 or mobile 075 81 00 6781. Classic car and vintage motorbike enquiries should be directed to Norman White on 028 9443 2269 or Ormond Nesbitt on 079 73 92 4949.

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