THE CONCEPTION
The Muckle Toon Vintage Rally was conceived in 1993 by myself and another enthusiast who has since moved away, he had obtained names and addresses over the years that he thought would build the base for a local gathering of vintage vehicles sometime in the future, he was right. I obtained copies of the names and addresses from him long before he left town with the intention of making properly ordered lists and after he had gone I realised the possibilties. I mustered a handful of potential committee members who were given this information. There had been small numbers of vintage vehicles in the past that were integrated into the Eskdale and Liddesdale Show that was to become the Langholm Agricultural Show, but not sufficient in number to give a real exhibition. In the space of six months a working committee was formed. I took on the job of minute secretary and was also responsible for ensuring that a hundred copies of our entry form were made, each copy was sent to potential entrants that we found through visiting other vintage shows, or who had their names passed on to us by their associates. We have held five successful rallies to date and have added to the number of exhibits each of those years. Our name 'MUCKLE TOON VINTAGE' is now synonymous with vintage rallies, and it is our intention to build up the numbers to become one of the premier events throughout the Borders in the not too distant future.
THE FORMATIVE YEARS
In our formative years we had liaison with the Langholm Show committee who helped us by purchasing our brass plaques, and later paid for the hire of a portable toilet cubicle and a public address system, and hopefully shall for years to come. We have been borrowing a small caravan from Graham Murray for five years, who is the announcer for the Langholm Show. The caravan is more for my use than the committee as it would shelter me from the elements. It also supplied me with a work area where I wrote out and issued numbered cards according to their programme entry number.
The other members of committee were responsible for roping off the area that had been designated by the Show committee, cleaning up the field, there are cattle grazing and messing up to two days before Show day. The committee also give out brass plaques, sell raffle tickets, and ensured that the exhibitors' machinery or vehicles are situated in the correct place.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
At the beginning of 2000 the committee consisted of the following individuals:
CHAIRMAN: Dave Rogerson
TREASURER: Tony Blackburn
SECRETARY: Frank Zemla
COMMITTEE:
Wull Jeffrey
Nigel Fawkes
Jim McVittie
Barry Armstrong
BRASS PLAQUES
The brass plaque pattern for each successive year is chosen by the committee from a catalogue produced by J. Ellis, the plaque manufacturers based in Market Rasen.
Vintage Rally
cancelled
because of
foot and mouth
restrictions |
Our largest trophy takes the form of the
BILLY MIDDLEMASS PERPETUAL SHIELD and it is presented for the best exhibit in the vintage rally. The trophy was donated to our organisation by the widow of a former committee member who was proprietor of a local butcher's business. Billy was a motorcycle enthusiast and rode his BMW until his tragic death. The five category winners are each presented with rosettes in appropriate colours for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for Best Tractor, Motor Car, Motorcycle, Commercial Vehicle, and Static Engine. The overall winner is also presented with a small silver cup which he or she retains as a keepsake.
| 1999 PROGRAMME EXHIBITS | 2000 PROGRAMME EXHIBITS |
For the past six years we've had a street parade consisting of many vintage vehicles.
It is with deep regret that we inform you that this will not be the case this year!
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