In 1985 four men who shared a common desire to form a club that would welcome Classic and Vintage cars and motorcycles alike of all makes, model and type, met in the picturesque village of Blessington and the Blessington Vintage Car and Motorcycle club was born. The clubs inaugural run was held on the 20th July that year, starting in Blessington and circumnavigated the lakes. That first run attracted 49 entries ( 35 cars and 14 motorcycles).

The club then and today is hugely family orientated where spouses, partners, children and friends are all welcomed and encouraged to participate in club events and to come along for the drive.

In the intervening 25 years membership has grown from that original 4 to an active membership today of 150. Like their beloved motors, these members are varied in age, profession and reside not only in Wicklow and Leinster but also in the United Kingdom

Our current membership boasts guardianship of an impressive collection of vintage and classic vehicles.They range from a rare Alfa to a quirky Zonda. From a 1913 Krit to a 1974 Mini and everything in between. Originals to rebuilds and many are in concourse condition while some are in 15 boxes in the back of the garage.

Between April and September on the 2nd Monday of each month, the club organizes evening runs taking in parts of Wicklow and surrounding areas. These runs always start in Blessington and finish in various watering holes for refreshments. Sometimes there are treasure hunts, quizzes or driving skills tests but always there is laughter, chat and discussion on important matters such as which is the best way to fit a crankshaft in to a 1947 standard eight

In addition we hold 3 main runs annually, Spring and Autumn and the ever popular Mince pie run held on the 27th of December. These full day runs take in a 75 mile drive and on a good day take along as many cars. During the winter months, when the cars and bikes are safely tucked away, we replace our monthly runs with meetings where, over tea and biscuits, we learn everything from the correct way to apply polish to how to replace that rusty rear quarter panel.

Our club has raised substantial amounts of money over the years in support of local charities. The Club also supports other Clubs and Shows such as the 'Terenure Show' where this year alone we took home not only the award for 'most innovative stand' but also 3 of our members won individual awards

This year is our 25th Anniversary year. So of course much celebration was called for. Over Easter week, a club contingent went to France. June saw our 25th anniversary run where 150 of us ( and our cars) attended a mouth watering pig roast B.B.Q on the front lawn of the magnificent Russborough House. In August, the club headed North to the East Antrim Old Vehicle Club and took part in the Belfast to Portrush cavalcade. In September we were joined for a weekend by our neighbours from Stoke on trent , representing the Potteries and South Cheshire M.G.owners club.

As we come to the close of our 25th year. We can attribute our continuing success to one thing, our members, their passion for their motors, their enthusiasm to drive them in hail or shine and their unwavering support for the Blessington Vintage Car and Motorcycle club.

Alice Nugent, 2010.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2011:

Chairperson: Brian Dempsey, Vice Chairperson: Pat Callaghan, Secretary: Alice Nugent, Treasurer: Colin Dunne

Other Committee Members:

Bob Webster, Michael Darcy, Willie Nash, Keith Pearson, Pat Denning, Brian Cosgrave, Tony Clarke, Jim Scott