Vehicles of Yesterday, Mount Stewart, Sunday 19th June 2011

The National Trust held their annual Vehicles of Yesteryear event on Father's Day 2011 as part of a weekend long programme of events within the grounds of the Mount Stewart estate.


Mount Stewart House is situated on the shore of Strangford Lough. The 90 acre gardens at the wildlife haven, famous for its population of Red Squirrels, were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry, and are considered to be of international importance.

Sunday arrived and despite being concerned that the occasion might be marred by wet weather the rain fortunately didn't materialise. The previous year had seen 10,000 people visit the event and this year's attendance must surely have been similar.

It was the first time motorcycles had been invited and the VJMC Bangor Section put on a joint display with the 30 Motorcycle Club. Chris had attended the press launch with one of his beloved Honda XBR 500's.

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Chris put on a display of 5 single cylinder twin port Honda XBR 500s, to my knowledge the largest ever assembly of XBRs in Northern Ireland. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the AJS, Sunbeam, Scott and the 1916 Triumph “Flat Tanker” which had seen service in the 1st World War. All of the bikes had been ridden there.

The collection of classic cars was huge and there certainly were some very beautiful machines to admire. The Kit Car and MG Owners Clubs had a strong presence, there was even a fire engine and a De Lorean made up to look like the vehicle from the Back to the Future films. My thanks to a gentleman named Stephen for allowing us to sit in his Rolls Royce and for demonstrating every aspect of the car.

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Besides the Classic Bikes and Cars there was a wide-ranging choice of entertainment catering for all age groups: House Tours, Gardens to explore, dancing to music by The GI Band, Craft Fair, Trade Stands, Face Painting, Retro Clothing, Hot Food stands and a Magic Show.

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Every credit must surely go to Helen at the National Trust for successfully organising such a diverse range of activities. I do hope the classic motorcycles are invited back again next year.