New age vintage motoring!

The 12 founder members formed the organisation while seated in the Happy Landing pub in the village of Eglinton.

"Those 12 guys met, normal guys, round a table and formed the club," said current club chairman, John Nixon, who was at pains to stress that the club was a cross-community democratic society, and that everyone's voice was equally important.

The first chairman was Eamon Curran from the village, who was known for his sense of humour.

John recalls: "I remember the first time I joined the club. I think it was in 1997, and Eamon was the chairman but there was a bit of banter and it was good craic".

Far from being a club for retired men, Eglinton Classic Car Club attracts members of all ages and all walks of life.

"It is totally cross-community and everybody takes everyone else as they find them. The binding thing about the club is the love of the cars," says John.

Not content with simply swapping parts and tips among themselves, the members of Eglinton Car Club encourage car enthusiasts to log onto their site at http://www.eglintonclassicclub.co.uk/index.htm and list their needs or the parts they have to sell or swap with other enthusiasts on by listing them on the 'sales and wants' tab.

"If anyone wants to sell bits and pieces they can put it on the website and our website is affiliated to the AOVC which is the 'big brother' of the vintage car world," said John, adding: "Say a guy wanted to sell his car, and it's a classic car and if he had bits and pieces lying in his garage then he could put it on the website and people can pick it up and get in touch."

Over the years there have been some real characters join the club, and one in particular that members had a great affinity for is Owen Shields, who lives in Gallliagh, and while he is still very much associated with the club he plays a less active role.

The first show the club ever ran was in St Columb's Park, renting the facility for 400 - that being 1997 prices. The show that year was for Foyle Hospice, and it set in motion a trend that has continued to the present day.

It is something that John remembers well: "We ran the show, and there were quite a few involved running it, and we borrowed the money from Colm McLaughin to buy this 1970-something, to buy this classic Ford for a raffle. So, we sold tickets and raised 6,500 for Foyle Hospice," he said.

Despite the milestone this year, John says the Club will not be celebrating until they reach the big '20'.

"It has been a great pastime and a great hobby. The comradeship you have within this club is next to none," he said