Vintage car enthusiasts have raised over £65,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI) thanks to their fundraising efforts over the last number of years.
The popular Erne Vintage Car Show took place in October in Castle Irvine Estate, Necarne this year raised £14,000 for the AANI service, the main sponsor for the event was BJT & Son Ltd and Hire Centre.
One of those behind the initiative is George Ogle, who has been a vintage car enthusiast for his entire life, and along with others from the Erne Vintage Car Club they put their collections on show which proved popular as crowds flocked to the show.
George Ogle and Ian Henderson, Erne Vintage Car Club and George Irvine, Air Ambulance marking £14,000 raised for Air Ambulance as a result of the recent vintage car show held at Castle Irvine. Missing from the photo is a represntative of BJT& Son
Explaining why he got involved back in 2019, Mr. Ogle said: “This was my first involvement with Air Ambulance and they laughed at me when I talked about it and our first show was in the Lakeland Forum."
Joined by longstanding AANI volunteer, George Elliott, the two men broke down how much money has been raised by the group.
Mr. Elliott explained: “The first year was £12,500, then Covid came along, 2021 was £19,000 and it was the first year in Necarne, last year (2022) was £18,500 and this year was £14,000. So almost £65,000 altogether.”
Mr. Ogle added: “It doesn’t fly them very long but it is something, It gets down here a lot and [does] good work.
Mr. Elliott broke down that it takes £6,500 a day to run the Air Ambulance service, which is funded entirely by charity in Northern Ireland.
Recalling how he had seen the service in action Mr. Ogle said he was impressed by its speed and efficiency.
“It covers 25 minutes from the base at the Maze to Garrison,” added Mr. Elliott.
George Ogle.
Mr. Ogle came up with the idea of raising money for the charity and incorporated his deep passion for cars and motorsport.
His collection has neatly polished cars which gleam right from the engine outwards and he points out various features which sets cars apart and make them special. There is also a treasure trove of petrol cans, car badges, old petrol pumps, and old memorabilia.
George Ogle.
Uniquely the collection shows other aspects of community life outside of motoring.
One part of his collection includes an old Royal Mail uniform and a postman’s uniform as well as an impressive collection of vintage typewriters.
George Ogle.
On one wall, a collection of photographs shows some of the cars he has previously owned are photographed, showcasing a variety of motors.
Mr. Ogle reached up and took a picture from the wall proudly displaying one of the cars he sat in at rally stages over the years.
He has been involved with motorsport throughout his life having served as a Clerk of the Course for the Lakeland Stages, an assistant Clerk of the Course for Rally Ireland, and also taking part in competitions as a navigator.
“I have competed in the Ulster Rally and would have done navigation, for the Manx Rally, seven years in succession, sitting with Harry Cathcart.”
George Ogle.
Cars are a lifelong love for him, his first car was a Ford Anglia: “I’ve been in the motor club since I left school, I am now Vice Chairman of the Erne Vintage Car Club.”
When asked to estimate how many cars he has owned over the years, he said: “Dozens over the years, I like this sort of stuff, I like the Mini’s, I would probably go back to buying something older if I was allowed to,” he said with a laugh.
George Ogle with Boe.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here