Magnificent Seven take to the Mournes
The weather forecast looked promising so on Sunday 4th August a number of club members decided to go on a run to Newcastle and the Mournes. Meeting point was beside the bus station in Dromore – the line up of cars was Johnny’s Ferrari 348, Ricky’s X/19, James’ Fiat Coupe, Cyril’s Fiatina, Deirdre’s Panda and my Giulietta. It was good to see some passengers coming along for the ride – Johnny had brought his mate as co pilot (as well as Max) who travelled with James and his boys. Deirdre brought hubby Vincent and the kids too.
Johnny was leader of the pack, mainly because he knew the route we would be taking so off we set on our cross country adventure to Newcastle. The 348 provided a glorious soundtrack and despite the windy roads and a few tight hairpin bends Johnny put the Ferrari through its paces with the rest of us eagerly following him. Ricky’s X/19 impressed as it scampered along behind the Ferrari refusing to let it out of his sight. Within an hour we had arrived via Castlewellan in sunny Newcastle. The next challenge was getting parked as evidently lots of other people had the same idea as us and had descended on Newcastle to enjoy the sunshine. After a lap of the town we got parked on the main street and headed to the Strand Home Bakery for lunch. All day breakfasts and other tasty treats were ordered and duly devoured. Jeremy and Clare joined us at this stage in their Abarth 595 Competizione bringing our car total to seven. After some ice cream and amusements the magnificent seven headed off up the Bryansburn Road towards the Mournes Scenic route to take in some of the breathtaking scenery.
I think Johnny was enjoying the drive so much that he forgot to pull in for the NIIMC team photoshoot of our line up of cars with the breathtaking Mournes as the backdrop. If truth be told I think we all enjoyed some of the impressive driving roads that we cruised (or raked) along and before long we were on the outskirts of Banbridge, The Outlet was our final destination and we hoped to join the car show that was being held there – unfortunately by the time we arrive d all the spaces were taken so we couldn’t display our cars but we still enjoyed looking around at the variety of vehicles at the show. Fords, Vauxhalls and Japanese motors were well represented but there weren’t too many Italian cars on display and we weren’t able to sign up any new recruits to the Club.
Nevertheless it was a good, fun day out and I know my Giulietta benefitted from the 115 mile round trip and is loosening up nicely. I didn’t get to take too many photos but I hope you enjoy the few snaps that I did take.
Tim Logan
