The annual Classic and Sports Car Show held within the Grand Ballroom of the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle recently celebrated fifty years of the Ford Escort MkII.
With all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK, this event, held over a weekend in February saw the ballroom was filled with classic vehicles and bikes, as well as a modern rally car and trade stands.
Despite being twenty-eight years old, this classic event has always managed to pass under my radar. It’s support from the hotel, sponsors, traders, exhibitors, and the public alike, is nothing short of unwavering. This year, raising a whopping £20,546 for Cancer Research UK.
Some stand-out vehicles for me include the P.S. Mallon Engineering Bedford van, the Withers & Winsford Escort MkI, and a 1961 BMW Isetta which is the first I have ever seen or heard of this model. One car however that stole the heart of many from my era, was the red Metro GTA.
Commenting after the event, “Classics Charity Committee are very proud on our 28th year to have raised a total of ￡20,546 resulting from our classic and sports car show on February 7 / 8 and 9th past.” States Bill Forsythe.
“This fantastic total will be of great help to the cancer teams as they continually give treatment and research a cure. We, the committee, wish to thank all our exhibitors, sponsors, spectators and the Cancer Research team in making this grand total.
“Thanks also to the management and staff at the Slieve Donard Hotel. It was a fantastic, well attended event inside the Grand Ballroom at the Slieve Donard Hotel Newcastle.”
Show organiser, Bill Forsythe, was joined by Stanley Tompkins and Tracey Hanna of Cancer Research Kilkeel, as well as members of the classics charity committee for a cheque presentation.
