Stradbally August 2013

Sunday 4th August bank holiday weekend in Ireland, at Stradbally, Co. Laois was the date and venue for our static display of Model T Ford cars and commercials at the National Steam Show. 

Such an occasion is a gathering of T owners and friends to meet and catch up with news of events and Ts.

It is also a recruiting ground for our Club in attracting new members who take the opportunity to look and see, and if they get hooked, start asking questions… how much, are parts hard to get, are Ts reliable.

The news is of course that the Model T Ford was built by Henry Ford for the masses. By scaling up production in a manner that was not seen before, simple economics made it affordable for the ordinary family.

Dubbed “the poor man’s car” it is today as important in veteran and vintage circles as it was in its heyday. Probably what keeps the hobby active and enjoyable is the availability of parts at affordable prices. Signs by, a half a dozen prospective members got really interested… let’s hope they cross the line and get addicted!

Our catering team led by Eleanor Hendy got into the swing of the carnival atmosphere. Teas at 11:30 were served up in style by Yvonne. Later on the team harnessed themselves up and fed members and friends with freshly made sandwiches, buttered barm brack and Cup Cakes especially made and supplied by Lorraine Dunne.

Speaking of Lorraine, who as members will gather by now has taken charge of our Cloth Shop, a full array of Club jackets, caps and sweatshirts were on display in a most orderly and attractive fashion.

Paul Murphy displays his Model T Ford Tractor conversion unit.

Picture shows Thomas Stinson on being awarded The Model T Cup presented by Stradbally Steam Rally.

Dan Gallahue and Sons with Club President Michael Rigney. Dan and friends together with their 1921 Model TT Truck turned up canvassing for support for the charity “Drive to Survive” events that starts on Friday morning 9th August. We wish them well in their 1,000 mile journey across 26 counties of Ireland over seven days.

They are raising funds for Cancer Care.  It is hoped that members within the catchment area of their travels will join in a little or a lot of their journey.  Have a look at their website www.drivetosurvive.ie.

Friends of the Hendy Family came along and provided entertainment for us all. First off was Kevin Cunniffe, dressed in early rural costume put on a display of Irish dancing and soon the many spectators got into the swing of the rhythm and dancing.

Next off, storytelling to everyone’s amusement.  Then the two piece band got into action and provided musical entertainment for the afternoon interspersed with dancing and singing.

Without doubt the Model T arena was the most popular stand of the show. The numbers visiting us eclipsed the very fine showing of tractors and classic cars in nearby arenas.

Our setting was as usual very fine, with the grass freshly mowed, catering tents and equipment in place and the parking zones all pre-marked. All down the forward planning and forethought by our hosts John Hendy and Paul Murphy.

Finally, what was supposed to be an inclement Sunday, nothing further from the truth could we say but that the weather was glorious, clear blue skies and sun beating down on all – we could not ask for better!

Thank you sincerely to members and friends for making this another joyful occasion.

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