Mad Sunday
Mad Sunday is we know it in the Isle of Man is one mental day, where the mountain Course of the Isle of Man TT circuit is opened up to one way traffic, and then let loose to all Mad and Silly people on their bikes (and some cars), the idea is that you have some fun over the mountain where there are no speed limits and basically pretend that you know how to ride, drive and race over the TT Circuit, in reality there are so many people over here for the TT that the speeds over the mountain during Mad Sunday make it usually not worth doing, and there are too many tourists dropping bikes at most of the corners anyway.
This said, Mad Sunday on the Isle of Man also has loads of nice events out of the way of the Madness, one such event is the Farm Show in Port St. Mary, we always do this event , not because we are all farmers, but because you take a very nice field, with a great view (see below), fill it with old working farm vehicles, some old motorbikes, and a load of people just wanting a day in the sun, and you have a great day.
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A bit of History....
The Southern Vintage Engine and Tractor Club
The Southern Vintage Engine and Tractor Club was formed in the Autumn of 1984 with the intentions of restoring vintage engines, tractors and bygones, the members have a chance to show off their exhibits with our annual "Mad Sunday Vintage Show", which first took place on Sunday 2nd June 1985.
This Sunday is between TT practice week and TT week, which is commonly known to the locals and most TT fans as 'Mad Sunday'. Over the years the rally has grown with more exhibitors attending, and offers locals and visiting tourists an enjoyable break away from the TT circuit.
On the second Thursday of each month we hold our monthly meeting at the Rushen United Football Club House, with perhaps a video or slides being shown afterwards. Every Autumn we hold our Vintage Ploughing Match which is open to all, members and non-members alike, to compete for various cups and trophies.
From December to February members show their ploughing skills at the various young farmers and other local ploughing society matches, about eight in a season.
For more information on the club please contact the club secretary, Dave Corkish on 01624 824135
Photos from 2009...
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Mike (GD0HYM) and Steve (GD7DUZ) putting final checks to the tower.
Mike (GD0HYM) getting the guy ropes sorted out with the help of Steve (GD7DUZ).
There still at it....
Steve (GD7DUZ) climbing the tower to add another rope that was forgotten. Opps!
Steve (GD7DUZ) sorting out the new rope, I know the shot makes him look high, but the towers not raised and it looks higher that he actually is.
Steve (GD7DUZ) coming down the mast.
Steve (GD7DUZ) and Mike (GD0HYM) having a joke whilst raising the mast.
The Mosley with the test version (version #1) on my (MD0MDI) wire multiband antenna raised up.
Godfrey (GD4EIP) working CW from his car.
John Operating SSB whilst Steve helps log.
You always get some characters at this show, and any excuss for dressing up in there best clothes.
Always loved by most, this old beast was in beautiful condition.
I am not sure I would like to turn up to the Test Centre in this one.
Well not really, just cleaning his pride and joy.
A really Nice little engine on a small length of track.
This time it was the right way up!
A small selection of classic bikes were available as well.
This loverly old Norton was really well looked after.
Minus the Wire Antenna after some stupid idiot from the DOT decided to cut it down.
Old Tractors along side New technology.
But in very good condition.
Single Horse Power, but very sweet.
The View back across the field of the IOMARS Mast
Forgot to get the name of this one.
A selection of Old Cultivators
Another view of the beam beam Europe way.
Photos from 2008...
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John (GD0NFN), Steve (GD7DUZ) and Harry (MD0HEB) laying out the Mosley 4 Element Beam on a really nice Isle of Man summers day.
I know that Steve is not the tallest person, but I cant see that he cannot reach the elements on the floor...
Steve being the engineer again, talk about precision placement.
From the right, Harry (MD0HEB), Steve (GD7DUZ), Matty (MD0MAN), and finally John (GD0NFN) lifting the first half up to the rotator mounting.
Steve (GD7DUZ) tightening up the mounts on the Mosley Antenna.
Harry raising the mast whilst Steve and John bolt on the remaining elements.
Not sure if you have noticed this but John's got a brand new boiler suite, looking very official...
Last elements going into place.
Last one of ther elements being tightened up.
All done and now up she goes.
Yep, this is Harry (MD0HEB) doing manual work, this is worth framing and keeping, just to proove that he does do real work, mind you he makes a great coffee to.
Still cant believe it, but hey, well worth looking at twice.
Up she goes....
Was thinking of shot for QSL Cards, heres a nice one.
Yes this is a farm show and so just to proove it here is a bit of vintage farm stock and a lovely mast too boot.
With the weather being really great, and the sky being ever so blu, I could not hellp but get the camera out.
Thanks to Dave (2D0RGW) for organising the shack.
Never know with the Isle of Man.
All ready for the morning.
OK, Dave (2D0GBS) is going to kill me for that one.
Here is an old Massey Ferguson 1200.
A view of the farm equipment on show today.
Pristine and working macines like this show just how much work these farmers put into their equipment.
Godfrey (GD4EIP) explaing to Stuart (GD0OUD) why he does not like the built in keyer in the Kenwood TS-2000.
We had many visitors popping into the tent and even come across many operators from across who were also visiting the Isle of Man.
Working PSK31, it was the only real way of getting signals out there, propogation was very poor on the day.
