Stradbally August 2016
John Hendy and Paul Murphy mounted the best display stand at the annual steam fair held at Stradbally over the August week end where a large display upwards of 30 vehicles were positioned for members of the public to view and admire.
The weather was kind, blue skies, sunshine and warmth and this made for a convivial atmosphere for members of our Club to meet and greet.
The Model T arena was groomed with the grass freshly cut and the catering kitchen and hospitality tent in position. Our hospitality tent was in full swing from 10.30am till late serving hot refreshments, fresh sandwiches and a variety of home baked cakes and delights.
Members and their friends were treated to as much as they desired and to a person were praiseworthy of our offerings managed by Sandra Murphy and Eleanor Hendy together with their band of cheerful helpers.
At 4.00pm our group were called to do a lap of honour around the arena and our secretary was asked to take to the stage and give an account of our Model Ts, our CLub and the actual vehicles themselves. Our audience learned a short history of the manufacture, the years of production and the various body styles on offer.
To be fair to the organisers of Stradbally Steam Fair, they put on a great show. It included stalls, displays of classic cars and tractors, stationery engines, music organ, steam train rides, children’s play area, food village and of course steam engines in abundance.
We managed to organise a group photograph of as many people as we could round up at 3.50pm, just ten minutes prior to the show ring parade.
Our President Michael Loughran addressed our members and said how pleased he was to see this event very well supported with cars turned out in great shape. He thanked Eleanor and Sandra plus her friends for their catering work. In paying tribute to John and Paul for their hard work in making our patch in such good order, he presented each of them with an Irish hand crafted 8 inch wooden bowl made from native beech.
By about 5.00pm the crowds in attendance were as large as ever with many taking time out with grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy the summer’s evening in beautiful and historic Stradbally.
Some of the long distance travellers took leave of absence wishing they could stay longer and never give up the pleasures and enjoyment that the fair had on offer.
With grateful thanks to the organisers and those who made our day so magical, we offer our sincere thanks. We will return next year.
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