Plans are underway to mark the 40th anniversary of the Western Veteran and Vintage Motor Club.
The anniversary will be celebrated with a special gala dinner and murder mystery night in the Salthill Hotel Galway on Saturday September 2 at 7.30p.m.
The club boasts a membership of some 200 from all over Ireland, and a few members in Great Britain.
Its aim is still to promote an interest in veteran, vintage, and classic cars through the organising of runs, static displays, and participation in parades and festivals with a very diverse range of cars, as the club founders did.
That was in 1977 shortly after the 1977 IVVCC Autumn Rally was held in Galway. A number of enthusiasts met on September 4 that year and formed the club and this was followed by an official launch, sponsored by Ireland West Tourism, which many motoring enthusiasts and organisations from all over Ireland attended.
As the IVVCC was the only Vintage Motor Club believed to be in existence at the time, this new club became the second such club in the country and is, therefore, now still believed to be the second oldest.
The club did not take long to achieve considerable status and respect throughout the country with the number of members growing steadily, surpassing the 50 mark within about 12 months. To advertise the club, members involved themselves in attending parades, festivals, etc, with a very diverse range of cars.
One feature of membership of the club was that a member did not have to be the owner of a vintage car.
Tickets to the 40th anniversary celebrations are on sale now and can be purchased by phoning 093-39426 or 087-9961776.
