SpeedFest Returns With ‘Record Breakers’ In 2016

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
Nov 162015
 

the JIM-ROBBINS-SPECIAL indy carWith thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing & Events Organiser.

Now entering its 7th year, SpeedFest – the Grampian Transport Museum’s flagship event – takes place in Alford on Sunday 3rd July.

A unique event in the north east calendar, SpeedFest will kick off with the ever popular Early Bird Rides, giving members of the public the chance to ride around the museum’s purpose built road circuit in a high performance sports or super car.

Most eagerly anticipated will be the pursuits, where direct performance comparisons are made between pairs of performance cars.

SpeedFest 16 promises to be even bigger and better, with recent track improvements and a new ground plan. The main theme will be record breakers and will include record breaking motor, steam and electric cars.

Museum curator Mike Ward is delighted to be involved in organising SpeedFest 2016

“SpeedFest is now our second biggest event, only behind the Grampian Motorcycle Convention. Its popularity is largely due to the great selection of cars, put together by invitation and the fact that they participate in the track activities. Where else would you see a direct performance comparison between a Tesla Roadster Sport and a brand new Ferrari?

“SpeedFest really does showcase the development of performance cars from the 1920’s ‘Blower Bentleys’ to the very latest competition and supercars. The ‘record breaker’ theme in 2016 will produce some interesting cars. The fact that steam and electric cars are to be included will surprise many petrol heads, but it will evoke the long and proud tradition of record breaking electric vehicles and steamers!”

For further information on SpeedFest 2016 please contact Martyn Smith, Marketing & Events Organiser, on 019755 64517 or email marketing@gtm.org.uk.

October Fun At Grampian Transport Museum

 Aberdeenshire, Information  No Responses »
Oct 082015
 

The Grampian Transport Museum will be welcoming visitors this October with a number of special activities taking place during the school holidays. With thanks to Martyn Smith.

GrampianTransportMuseumImage1A special guest exhibit will be on display in the museum from Monday 12th October.

Helping to celebrate 30 years since the original Back to the Future movie, the museum will be displaying a DeLorean DMC-12 – the car popularised in the cult movie trilogy. In the second instalment of the film the central character, Marty McFly, travels forward in time to Wednesday October 21 2015, the date our guest exhibit will then be departing on.

Alongside a standard DeLorean vehicle a number of replica props will be on display, including a detailed replica of the Hoverboard used in the movie.

These have been painstakingly re-created by Barry Thackery of Aberdeen, who has also turned his hand to creating an operational flying DeLorean, using a scale model of the movie car which has been married up to the chassis of a radio controlled drone.

Also taking place during the October break is the museum’s final rides afternoon of the season – Full Steam Ahead, which takes place on Thursday 15th October, from 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

The museum’s 1914 Sentinel Steam Waggon, the oldest fully functional Sentinel still in existence, will be offering museum visitors a ride around the outdoor circuit and will be joined by a 1:3 scale Burrell Steam traction engine, built in Ellon by blacksmith Willie Gill. The Burrell was purchased by Aberdeen City Council and was run regularly in the city’s Duthie Park, where it proved especially popular during the summer months.

A number of static displays will be on show too – a live steam 3.5” gauge Stevenson’s Rocket will be on show alongside a selection of miniature traction engines and railway locomotives.

Then the fun continues with a special Halloween Activity Afternoon on Friday 23rd, from 1pm – 3.30pm. With Halloween activities, quizzes and crafts plus face painting, balloon modelling plus the museum will also welcoming Diana from ‘Once upon a tune’ who will be providing lots of fun through song and story.

Entry to these events is included in the museum’s standard admission which is £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and 2 children admitted FREE with every adult.

Grampian Transport Museum remains open daily from 10am – 4pm up until Sunday 25th October, giving visitors the chance to see fantastic displays including the Made in Scotland exhibition and Ferrari Enzo supercar, the only example in Scotland. There are daily quizzes for younger visitors to enjoy and the Travellers Rest tea room is open daily from 10.30am – 3.30pm.

Motoring Memorabilia For Sale At Transport Museum

 Aberdeenshire, Information  No Responses »
Sep 182015
 

GrampianTransportMuseumImage1With thanks to Martyn Smith.

Grampian Transport Museum will again be offering motoring enthusiasts the chance to clear out the garage or workshop with this year’s Autumn Autojumble.

The annual event, which takes place on Sunday 27th September, sees traders from across the country converge to sell a wide range of automotive parts, memorabilia, miscellanea and even vehicles.

One vehicle which is to go on display for sale this year is a 1987 Ford Fiesta XR2i which has been part of a key display inside the museum in 2015.

The Fiesta has spent the season next to the museum’s Rover SD1 Vitesse police car. The Rover found fame on the Channel 4 show ‘For the Love of Cars’ when broadcast in April.

Alongside the traditional categories this year’s Jumble has now been extended to include general car boot, trade and craft stalls ensuring there really is something for everyone. As well as providing the opportunity to clear space in the garage or shed, the Autojumble provides the ideal opportunity to find a new winter project.

Gates open to the public at 9am with admission just £3 for adults and children under the age of 16 are admitted free of charge.

The museum will also be offering reduced price admission, meaning visitors can enjoy the 2015 exhibition including the Made in Scotland display or the only Ferrari Enzo on show in Scotland – one of only 400 ever produced!

Anyone who wishes to book a stall can do so for just £12 in advance, which includes 2 complimentary passes to the museum. Entries will be accepted on the day at £15 on a first come, first served basis.

Aberdeen Cycle Forum (ACF) Invites Councillors to the Movies

 Aberdeen City, Environment  No Responses »
Sep 142015
 

Aberdeencycleforum2With thanks to Jyll Skinner.

To mark the start of European Mobility Week, Aberdeen Cycle Forum have arranged a one-off showing of a feature-length documentary titled ‘Bikes vs Cars’ at the Belmont Filmhouse on Wednesday, 16th
September.

ACF believe the film is essential viewing for anyone involved in decision making over the future of Aberdeen and have taken the unusual step of inviting all 19 Councillors from Aberdeen City Council’s Communities, Health and Infrastructure Committee to attend the screening at ACF’s expense.

ACF Chair Jyll Skinner said:

“The film examines the transport gridlock in cities like Sao Paolo and Los Angeles, and the effects that congestion has on them as places to live. It then contrasts that with Copenhagen – a city which is liberated by cycling.

“There are benefits to the economy, to air quality, and to people’s health and wellbeing. Which of these models does Aberdeen want to follow?”

The screening will be followed by a Question & Answer session with a panel including representatives from Nestrans and both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils.

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GTM Club Confirmed For World Final At Rockingham.

 Aberdeenshire, Information  No Responses »
Sep 142015
 

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

GrampianTransportMuseumImage1The Grampian Transport Museum (GTM) Young Engineers Club is enjoying another successful season following a podium finish at the Scottish heat of the Greenpower F24 championship.

The race, which took place at East Fortune on Sunday 6th September, saw the Alford team finish both races in 1st place with the Alford Bullet, while the team’s second vehicle – the Alford Spyder – finished in 2nd place.

The Young Engineers Club was formed in 2008 and competes annually in the international Formula 24 (F24) race organised by Greenpower. 

Teams race against each other over two 90 minute races with the winner being the team that goes furthest using a standard set of batteries and motor. The team will now compete with both vehicles at the world final, which takes place at Rockingham racing circuit in Northamptonshire, on Sunday 11th October.

The team would like to thank all their supporters and helpers together with their 2015 sponsors which include BP, EnQuest, TAQA, Scots Bearings, Whittaker Engineering and the Rotary Club of Alford and District.

Paul Lawson, vice chairman of the Grampian Transport Museum Trust said:

“The GTM is very proud of the achievements of the Young Engineers Club which is an important element of our educational programme to promote science and technology; we wish the team members and their supporters well for the final in October and thank all our sponsors for their support”

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Salmond Hails Aberdeen To Inverness Corridor Of Prosperity

 Aberdeen City, Opinion  No Responses »
Sep 102015
 

Alex Salmond head and shouldersWith thanks to Tom Collins, Press Officer, Rt. Hon. Alex Salmond MP MSP

Alex Salmond MSP (Aberdeenshire East) MP (Gordon) has hailed the Aberdeen to Inverness transport network as a “corridor of prosperity”.
Earlier this month, Derek Mackay MSP, Minister for Transport and Islands, unveiled the first of 40 new-look trains as part of a £14-million modernisation project.

The refurbished trains are tailored for use on Scotland’s scenic routes and will be released onto the rail network at a rate of one a month.

The SNP’s local agenda for transport and economic development includes more than £170 million worth of improvements to the railway line and the development of key tourist destinations around each station. The upgrades will be complete by 2019.

The Scottish Government has also put plans in place to dual the A96, which will involve a total of 86 miles worth of upgrades. The project will deliver many benefits including improved journey time and reliability, delivering economic growth, improved connectivity and reduce the rate and severity of accidents.

Commenting, Mr Salmond said:

“The SNP Government is dedicated to improving transport services throughout Scotland. This is evident in the £177 million worth of improvements that are planned for our existing railway line.

“I am pleased to hear that the Scottish Government continues to invest in public transport and I cannot wait to see these tailored carriages on our fantastic Aberdeen to Inverness line.

“It is also important that we continue to improve our road network too – ensuring that it is both reliable and safe for passengers to use.

“This dedication to our transport network will create a corridor of prosperity between Aberdeen and Inverness.

“All of these important upgrades will provide an economic boost as well as reducing overall CO2 emissions, benefitting communities at every stage of the 108-mile long line.”

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[Aberdeen Voice accepts and welcomes contributions from all sides/angles pertaining to any issue. Views and opinions expressed in any article are entirely those of the writer/contributor, and inclusion in our publication does not constitute support or endorsement of these by Aberdeen Voice as an organisation or any of its team members.]

Annual Motorcycle Event Draws In Over 5,000 Visitors

 Aberdeenshire, Information  No Responses »
Sep 102015
 
Museum volunteer Symon Hollingdale with star guest Carl Fogarty

Museum volunteer Symon Hollingdale with the event’s star guest Carl Fogarty

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The 33rd Grampian Motorcycle Convention took place at the Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, on Sunday 6th September. 5259 ‘delegates’ attended, the second biggest crowd in the event’s 33 year history.

Visitors to the event – one of the best of its kind in Britain – enjoyed a day of fantastic entertainment and action. This year the weather was on side too, in stark contrast to the atrocious weather conditions visitors endured in 2014.

Visitors with a driving licence were able to take part in the action, with a free 15 minute session on the ‘Try Trails’ which proved very popular.

Inside the arena there was entertainment, with the On the Edge stunt team, providing demonstrations which combined trails riding, motocross and precision riding. The pursuit and Supermoto races proved as popular as ever, demonstrating speedway style riding skills in front of a packed grandstand.

This year the organisers were delighted to welcome 4 times world Superbike champion and King of the Jungle Carl Fogarty as the Convention’s star guest. Carl proved to be a real hit with the public and was happy to pose for selfies and sign autographs.

The finale of the event came in the form of the Moped Mayhem and with 49 teams signed up, organisers found themselves turning away late entries.

The Grampian Motorcycle Convention is run by the Bon Accord Motorcycle Club and is a regular fixture in the museum’s busy outdoor programme. The 34th Convention is due to be held on Sunday 4th September 2016.

Motorcycle Convention Returns To Transport Museum

 Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information  No Responses »
Sep 042015
 

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

MopedMayhemGTMThe 33rd Grampian Motorcycle Convention takes place at the Grampian Transport Museum showground this Sunday 6th September.
Having grown from its vintage and classic roots into the museum’s biggest event of the year, the Convention is justifiably recognised as one of the very best motorcycle shows in Britain.

Performing throughout the day will be the On the Edge stunt team – providing a unique mix of precision riding, the skills of a trials rider mixed with those of a freestyle motocross rider.

Using their truck as part of their act, On the Edge are guaranteed to impress with a mix of wheelies on both the front and back wheels, drop offs and vertical 15ft jumps. Their show has to be seen to be believed!

The convention famously introduced Moped Mayhem to Scotland back in 1984 and this year will be no different, with the moped riders ensuring a laugh a minute – all at a top speed of 30mph!

This year the Convention is delighted to welcome 4 times World Superbike champion and current ‘King of the Jungle’ Carl Fogarty as special guest.
Run by the Bon Accord Motorcycle Club the Convention line up is complete with Supermoto Racing on the oval track, demonstrating speedway style riding skills, along with Pursuit Racing demonstrating road bikes racing at high speed. There are also Classic Bike demonstrations including legendary names of the past such as Triumph and Norton.

The latest two-wheeled machines and accessories will be on display at a great trade show and visitors with a current bike license will also be able to get ‘hands on’ with the action, with a free 15 minute lesson on the Try Trials.

With free parking and a FREE Park & Ride service, great food and expert commentary make the Convention a truly special day out and one which enthusiasts regularly travel hundreds of miles to attend.

Gates open at 10am and the arena activities get underway at 11am. Family tickets are available, priced at just £25, admission for adults is £10, children £5 and concessions £7.

AllFord at Alford: Popular Event Returns This Sunday

 Aberdeenshire, History  No Responses »
Aug 132015
 

Model T Ford 38 Years With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

This Sunday (Aug 16) more than 200 Fords will head for Alford for the second AllFord event, taking place at the Grampian Transport Museum.

Launched in 2014, AllFord at Alford is a showcase of everything ‘Fordie’ from 1908 to the present day and celebrates motoring for the masses.

A number of special entries have been received, including a rare Aberdeen bodied Model T van, owned by Les Coull of Keith.

Built in 1924 by Georgeson & Co of Aberdeen it is believed that the van spent its working life at a bakers in Bucksburn before entering into preservation.

Also making an appearance at this year’s AllFord will be the only Model T to have made it to the top of Ben Nevis. Having been taken to the foot of the hill by a group of enthusiasts to celebrate the models centenary it was taken apart in the car park before being lifted, piece by piece, to the top and then reassembled to celebrate the event. Descent from the summit was carried out in a similar manner, with the car being taken apart and then reassembled at the start!

Taking on a gruelling 850 mile round trip for this years show is Adrian Evans of Great Barr, Birmingham. Adrian will be travelling north in his 1969 MK2 Ford Cortina which won the 2014 Meguiars Club Showcase at the NEC, Birmingham.

The event will be supported by Ford UK who will be attending the event with a dedicated Ford Marquee, complete with Playstation driving simulator and brand ambassadors on hand to offer help and advice to enthusiasts. Arnold Clark, as part of the Ford stand, will showcase some of the latest models direct from the showroom.

The popular ‘Choice of the people’ award will once again allow visitors to vote for their favourite car of the show. Craft traders, specialist suppliers and accessories retailers will add to the show atmosphere of this unique event.

Vehicle entries are now closed for this year’s event. Public admission to AllFord is £5 for adults, with children under 16 admitted free.

Work Continues Towards Opening New Kintore Station

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
Aug 072015
 

MartinFordatUTGEast Garioch councillor Martin Ford has been updated on progress with work on delivering a railway station for Kintore.

Cllr Ford, a long-standing campaigner for a station at Kintore, said:

“The intention is to have a new Kintore station in place and ready to come into use in spring 2019, when the wider upgrade of the Aberdeen to Inverness rail line is due to be completed”

“Various steps are necessary to allow a new station to be built, including acquisition of the land needed, design work, gaining planning permission and securing the funding for the construction cost. Steps to deliver all of these requirements are underway, or planning for them has started.”

Cllr Ford recently gave a talk on the proposals for a Kintore station to Kintore Rotary Club.

Cllr Ford said:

“There is no doubt about the strong local demand for a rail halt in Kintore, and every reason to be confident of good levels of use. Of course, I would have liked to see a station in place long before this, but there is now a clear intended opening date. And progress is being made with the preparatory work to enable a station to be built. I am optimistic the planned opening date can be met.”

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[Aberdeen Voice accepts and welcomes contributions from all sides/angles pertaining to any issue. Views and opinions expressed in any article are entirely those of the writer/contributor, and inclusion in our publication does not constitute support or endorsement of these by Aberdeen Voice as an organisation or any of its team members.]

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