As part of the annual summer festival organised by the Donaghadee Community Development Association the picturesque County Down town came alive on Friday 26th July 2024.
With the Morris Minor Owners Club NI Branch being tasked with the running of this relaxed evening, cars arrived hours in advance of its start time, ensuring they secured a prime position on the towns pier which has remained famous recently thanks to the filming of the crime drama TV series, Hope Street.
A great selection of cars ranged from 1920’s Austin’s to a 1995 Ford Escort RS2000. It was the latter that made me feel old, as despite being relatively new in the grand scheme of what was on display, it is now a classic.
A few highlights for me include a black Ford Fiesta XR2 as well as Robert Dickson’s Paddy Hopkirk tribute Mini which I have watched in competition for years. A London Prison van was very cool, and the blue Mini pick-up was very quirky.
Given the organising club, an abundance of Morris Minors was on display as you’d expect, and they were joined by a large contingent of Mini’s and MG’s of various generations.
Morris Minor Owner’s Club NI Chairman, Susan Shepherd said, “In response to such a popular yearly event, the Morris Minor Owners Club NI, agreed to take on the running of the Classic Cars on the Pier as part of the Donaghadee annual festival.
“Due to previous hiccups and the event always being oversubscribed this was a pre-book only event, with parking directly on the pier. This seems to have worked and it turned out to be a very well supported event with over 60 cars present on.”
“We raised vital funds for RNLI and the Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat restoration fund which will be presented later. Hopefully all goes well for next year as this was a great evening of friendship, chat and craic from all.”
For more info on Donaghadee, and events within the town, visit www.visitdonaghadee.com
Words and Photos: GRAHAM BAALHAM-CURRY
[Images must not be used in any way without prior written consent of the
photographer]
