Paddy Hopkirk Gala

[minitravellerman]

So who's coming over to Paddy's homeland and home city for this awesome event. Looking forward to it myself. Titanic Quarter in Belfast is a fantastic location for shows of any kind.

Paddy will be there in person (obviously), as will 33 EJB along with other ex works Minis (of which there are a few in N. Ireland). I've met Paddy a couple of times and he is an absolute gentleman.

Here's the link to their site;
http://www.paddyhopkirkgala.com/

and their facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/PaddyHopkirkGala

[johnsimister]

I plan to, in my '59. We'll stay with friends in Helen's Bay. Should be brilliant. I've recently been devouring Paddy's excellent book.

John

[minitravellerman]

Nice one - Paddy's book is an excellent read - think I must have read it 20 times now!! lol

[mk1]

Looks like an excellent event!

Wish I could be there.

m

[mab01uk]

Mini at London Palladium 1964
Morris Mini Cooper S (33 EJB) 1964 Monte Carlo winner. On stage for TV programme 'Sunday Night at the London Palladium' with driver Paddy Hopkirk interviewed by host Bruce Forsyth.

Nice set of gallery photos here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 476&type=1

[minitravellerman]

The more I hear about what's planned for this, the more I'm looking forward it!
Getting regular updates by email. I already have a hotel booked only a short walk from the Gala venue - I don't fancy driving home in the wee small hours if we have the same weather as February past. Although I only have about 25 miles to drive!! lol

[mk1]

What is the best ferry route from the UK to Belfast?

M

[Pete]

Probably cheaper to fly !

Paddy was in fine fettle at the Shelsley bash last month, 80 years young....

[mk1]

I know the Sprints small, but I reckon I'd struggle to get it on as hand luggage.

M

[Pete]

Oh right ! You should get a discount on the ferry though for taking half a car.

PS I've got some nice ex Paddy Hopkirk rally cars on my display in Manchester next month.

[minitravellerman]

What is the best ferry route from the UK to Belfast?

There are a few options for travel across the Irish Sea (although as Pete says - prob is cheaper to fly alright, but then you don't have your Mini with you!)

P&O
Cairnryan to Larne - great driving road if you take the coast road to Belfast (about 20 miles or so)
Liverpool to Dublin - but then about 1.5 hours to Belfast on boring motorways and dual carriageways
Troon to Larne - an alternative for our Scottish Mini friends

Stenaline
Liverpool to Belfast - less than 10 minute drive from Titanic Quarter
Cairnryan to Belfast - as above
Holyhead to Dublin - then that long boring drive up Ireland
Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire - close to Dublin
Fishguard to Rosslare - even longer drive up Ireland (I'd say about 4 hours from Belfast)

Irish Ferries
Holyhead to Dublin - as above
Pembrooke to Rosslare - as above

I'm not sure if they still run this service but there might be Norse Merchant as well
Norse Merchant Ferries
Birkenhead to Belfast

[minitravellerman]

My tickets arrived in the mail on Thursday. Is there anyone on here booked to come over to our wee country for this awesome event?

[Pete]

Anyone attending this prepared to write a report for publication ? Let me know.

[foxy52]

What a great pic that is of the Cooper S at the S N A T L P and the R V S.....I remember it so well as a 13 year old !!! twas compulsive family viewing in most houses in the early mid 60,s !!!...Ah .. memories as a teen !!!... foxy52

[minitravellerman]

Report on this event in both Mini World and Mini Magazine this month, as well as in Irish Vintage Scene magazine.

And for those of you who are able to get UTV on the telly, RPM Motorsport have an hour long programme on Thursday 27th at 11.05pm.

RPM HOPKIRK SPECIAL THIS THURSDAY

RPM's Special programme on the Paddy Hopkirk Gala Day will be aired for the first time this Thursday at 11.05 on UTV.

The one-hour show features :-
The John Mulholland Motors Cavalcade from Stormont to the Titanic Slipway in which 200 cars took part.
The Northern Ireland Plastics Legends and Experts Autotes on the Titanic Slipway.
The Gala Dinner.
The Neil Shawcross Art Mini Auction.

Catch the great day first on UTV this Thursday 27th. March and on TG4 on Wednesday 9th. and 16th. May.

[minimans]

He's coming to California in April for a Gala and I have my ticket!!