Classic cars and even a few bikes returned to the Ards Peninsula recently to raise money for charity whilst enjoying some tremendous driving roads thanks to Carrowdore Presbyterian Church.
When asked to think of the seaside, many will automatically recall the over-popular Port’s of the North Coast. However for many, the seaside and a good coastal drive, is one along the long meandering roads of the Irish Sea – me included.
For me the perfect ‘milk run’ is not sitting in traffic trying to get between and around ‘The Port’s’ – but one that departs from Newtownards and hugs the western side of Strangford Lough via Whiterock and Killyleagh, before nipping across the mouth of the Lough at Strangford on the drive-on/drive-off boat to Portaferry.
From there – Ballyquintan, Kearney and Cloughy have you hugging some spectacular roads and scenery along the Irish Sea, before reaching the easternmost point of mainland Ireland – Burr Point in Ballyhalbert.
From there, and going northbound, some hidden gems of our vast coastline lie in the guise of Ballywalter and Millisle beaches with Ballymacormick Point and Ballyholme beach usually a nice finishing point to stretch the legs before a celebratory ice cream in Bangor.
Ice cream is close enough to milk and that was the intended purpose of the drive – right?
With such great roads in mind, Carrowdore & Ballyfrenis Presbyterian Church’s organising committee took the decision a few years back, to set up a car run for classic, vintage and cars of interest – the main aim of which was to raise funds for charity.
Committee member, Richard Harrison explains, “Our annual charity car run for vintage and classic vehicles rolled into Carrowdore on Friday 5 August. Organised by a small group from Presbyterian Church, we annually host this ever growing event for charity, with a lot of money raised over the years.
“This year we have chosen Dementia Care NI to receive all the money raised, a worthwhile cause as most people know someone who has suffered this disease. The charity offers much needed research and help on the ground to sufferers.”
Harrison continued, “So after planning the route and sorting out the legal bit, arranging marshals, hi-vis jackets, goody bags, photographers, tea, carpark preparation and lots of advertising we needed some cars and soon they came from many parts of Northern Ireland – 159 in total.
“Cars and bikes spanning a century came polished and ready for the peninsula run coast to coast. When all the money was counted the final amount presented to Dementia NI is £2350.
“Organisers would like to thank our participants, PSNI Newtownards, Turkington family, Eurospar Carrowdore, and all our marshals.”
Words and Photos: GRAHAM BAALHAM-CURRY
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