This Saturday (September 5) will be a bittersweet day in Bessbrook as it prepares to host its final Vintage Day in memory of the “man who started it all”, Colum Ferris.
The much-anticipated event has been an annual fixture for more than 23 years. What began as a family-organised fun day grew year-on-year until the Bessbrook Vintage Club was established, bringing together vintage machinery enthusiasts, families and visitors from across the region.
For the Ferris family, this year’s event will be particularly poignant as they gather to remember Colum – who passed away in January 2025 – and his passion for vintage machinery matched by his strong support for hospice care.
The family is determined to make the final Vintage Day the biggest and most memorable yet, creating a fitting tribute to their dad while raising as much as possible for Evora Hospice.
Colum was a huge advocate for hospice services and in his time, raised more than £135,000 for Evora and several other charities through his Vintage Day.
On September 2024, Colum and his wife Judy received a Civic Award from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in recognition of their long-term dedication to fundraising.
The response from the local community and business community for the big finale has already been described by the family as “overwhelming”, with generous sponsorship and donations pouring in. Every page of their fundraising sponsorship book has now been filled.
The family said they were “humbled” by the generosity shown by businesses who had chosen to support the event and honour Colum’s memory.
“We never imagined when we started this book that it would be such a success, and we are just so grateful,” they said. “It’s hard to put into words just how much this means to us as a family. We feel so humbled that so many businesses thought enough of Colum, and of what we are trying to do in his memory, to put their name behind our fundraiser and support us so generously.”
Visitors can look forward to a packed programme celebrating rural life and the machinery, skills and traditions of days gone by.
There will be an impressive display of vintage tractors and machinery, along with threshers and steam engines, including a magnificent steam engine driving a traditional mill.
Visitors are invited to come along and experience the sights and sounds of the machines, enjoy demonstrations and displays including horse shoeing, sheep shearing, butter making and bread making, alongside model tractors, craft stalls and a plant stall.
Families are very much at the heart of the event, with plenty to keep younger visitors entertained. Attractions include face painting, hair braiding, a rodeo bull, children’s rides, a trampoline, old-fashioned fairground games and the popular digger and duck attraction.
For the first time, organisers have also introduced a Sensory Tent, providing a quieter space where children can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy event.
And, of course, no Bessbrook Vintage Day would be complete without the traditional tea tent — particularly appropriate given that it was one of Colum’s favourite parts of the day.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a cup of tea and homemade sandwiches while catching up with old friends, sharing stories and remembering Colum.
After more than two decades, the final Vintage Day promises to be both a celebration of the past and a fitting tribute to a man who loved vintage machinery and cared deeply about supporting hospice services.
The family said: “Dust off the machinery, bring the family and let’s create a memorable day.”
They have also extended a special invitation to the many vintage clubs who have supported the event over the years.
“Come along and support us for a great day out, catch up on old memories and support this wonderful cause in memory of our dad.”
Bessbrook Tractor Club’s final Vintage Day takes place on Saturday, September 5, with all proceeds going towards Evora Hospice.
Find out more information via their Facebook page here.
