Established by Andrew Johnston in 2007, Blackwater Graphics, which is located between Comber and Ballygowan recently hosted a charity barbecue in aid of Jordan’s Gift.
Vehicle graphics and motorsport livery have been the bread and butter from day one. More recently, Blackwater have been the supplier for many of our provinces leading drivers and riders. So it was no surprise that the motorsport community was well represented on the night from local, national and internationally acclaimed racing and rallying drivers, and riders.
The modified car scene is one in which BWG is also incredibly well known, which was highlighted with the attendance of a record crowd of slammed and performance cars. Trucks, bikes, tractors and everything in between was represented.
A big change this year was the display of many classic and vintage cars, as well as a few owners clubs. It was fantastic to see many decades of motoring shown with pride on the lawn outside the business.
Stating after the event, Andrew said, “A massive thank you to everyone for coming down and bringing such a variety of lorries, cars, bikes and tractors. It was a great success with lots of money raised for Jordan’s Gift. And the weather was kind to us, too.
“Special thanks to the volunteers and BWG staff who worked hard throughout the day setting up, cooking burgers, parking cars etc. Thanks to both Used Cars NI and H & J Carnduff Butchers for their generous support. And to the Turkington family for bringing Colin’s 2019 BTCC championship winning car to the event.
“Thanks to Zero Fit and Glenn Irwin for attending and spending time with his many fans. Thanks also to the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Interceptor’s for bringing vehicles and chatting about their work, general road safety, and the Bike Safe initiative.”
“BSB Superstock rider, Scott Swann, who doesn’t actually hold a two-wheeled driver’s license, got an insight into the great work of the PSNI’s Bike Safe team. It was great to see his bike at the BBQ complete with its BSB championship paddock set-up.
“Scott’s dad is a 12-time Ulster and Irish Superbike Champion, and it was great to see Mike Swann there supporting the event with Scott.”
Andrew continued, “Thanks to the guys who brought race/rally cars and bikes down. Thanks to the Banbridge Aero Modelling Club for their awesome flight display and to magician, Rodd Hogg who took lots of people by surprise. Balloo Hire assisted with some equipment which was a great help, and we look forward to seeing the drone footage captured by Gaetano Loiacono.
“Thanks to our DJ (David) who runs one of the embroidery machines during the day, and to Jordan’s Gift for attending and looking after the raffle end of the fundraising, as well as highlighting the great work that they do in memory of their late son, Jordan.”
Thanks must also be given to many who donated towards the event and raffle, including: On The Pipe Moto Apparel, Mauds Coffee Boxx, Sheldon Galleries, Colin Adams Motor Parts, Clive’s Country Corner, Stonebridge Cottage Farm, The Top Spot Sweet Shop, North Down House, McBrides on the Square, various BWG clothing suppliers, AlphaGraphics, and Snap-On agent Alan Magee.
On presenting Jordan’s Gift with a cheque for £3,750 pounds a few days after the show, Jordan’s father, Colin Kennedy said,
“Jordan’s Gift was set up to keep Jordan’s memory alive by helping others. The generous donations we received from the BBQ will ensure that we can help many, many young people living with disability or hardship. Thank you to everyone at BWG and to everyone who came along on the night.”
