The Antique Vehicle Club “Klasika” season opening reception invited not only club members but also a large group of special guests and our colleagues to Sodeliškiai Manor (Biržai district). The evening came along with club support purpose. Each participant was able to contribute to the club “Klasika”, purchase lottery tickets or take part in an auction organized by the club.
The party began by guest registration, cocktails and snacks. The guests gathered on time abundantly … We were honoured by the colleagues from Riga Motormuseum Andrejs Belinskis, Linards Zandovskis with their wives; Latvia Antique Auto Club (AAK) president Agris Smits, Jurmala event organizer Maris Mežapuke with his wife, Latvia Motoclub “Ozolnieki” leader Alfreds Zamockis with his friend; the collector of historic cars Laimonis Sprukulis with wife.
We were glad of participation of club sponsors: Algis Pašukevičius, Kostas Strelcovas, Sigitas Zajarskas Jonas Vireliūnas, Gintaras Burčikas with wives. Our colleagues Rimas Želvys and Laimas joined our party too. The spacious and luxurious Sodeliškiai manor hall freely had place for 92 participants of the ball.
The guests were offered a tour of the Manor farmstead and antique technique museum. The ball participants, led by Neringa Linkevičienė, toured the old Highlanders homestead, heard a story about a variety of past customs in Biržai; saw old utensils, grinded flour in the unique working windmill in Lithuania. The miller, and at the same time, the windmill restorer “goldenhanded” Algis Laumė really had something to tell and what to show. And near the mill, driver Stasys Kubilius, standing by a smoke exhausting steam tractor, made in the beginning of XX century, proudly showed and talked about this exclusive technical wonder which only one works and rides in the Baltic States. In addition to these attractions, the guests were still shown the collection of antique tractors and historical technique exposition.
While the guests were admiring the mansion and museum environment, in a closed meeting, club “Klasika” members were solving the relevant and life issues of the club: listened to and valued the reports of the club President, manager and financier, made and approved the club’s annual program of events, enrolled a new club member.
At the end of the excursions and the club meeting, everyone was invited to dinner. Delicious meal by chef Judita and Biržai brewing beer not only enlivened the festive evening, but also instructed to begin the solemn part of it. Egidijus Einoris the President of Antique Vehicle Club “Klasika” announced 2015 club season opening. Evening hostess Vaiva and Gražina invited closer the most distinguished club members and friends of 2014. They were awarded with diplomas and acknowledgments. Exceptional attention and sincere respect was shown to the club members Sodeliškiai Manor owners Neringa and Dalius Linkevičius, who welcomed the guests of this ball with high hospitality.
Acknowledgments and congratulations were received by club “Klasika” too. We were congratulated and awarded by Rigas Motormuseum team, by the colleagues from Latvia AAK, Maris Mežapuke and Alfreds Zamockis. Next morning we all were astonished by a gift – eight oaks, which were given by Laimas Jurkus and Rimas Želvys representatives of the club “Feel the power of flight”. According to them, these eight oaks symbolise eight years of “Klasika” life, which are expected to grow into a large and lush oak-wood!
At the end of greetings and wishes, there was presented the premiere of documentary film “Timeless Klasika 2014”. Colleagues Latvians were surprised by their native language subtitles.
The evening concert started with virtuoso accordionist Vytautas Kavaliauskas, who changed by musicians from Kaunas, well and them, our annual club concert presenter – JÅ«ratÄ— GarnelienÄ—. A concert surprise became a singer Irma JurgelevičiÅ«tÄ— appearance. It was excellent not only in singing, but also in acrobatic stunts…
During the break of the evening concert, the evening hostess Vaiva and Gražina announced a lottery, in which everyone wins! Later, there was an auction where the club “Klasika” presented three enlarged photos from club events in 2014. The photos were taken by Dainius NagelÄ—. Mrs. Samanta won the auction and thus did not reveal where and how she enjoy and demonstrate them…
So, the evening event continued even into the early hours and guests who felt tired could relax here, in the Manor hotel.
Sunday morning started with breakfast and bathing in the swimming pool and sauna. After freshening up, some turned to a long way home, others prepared to serious work – planting an alley of “Klasika” oaks. This is how we got along, you can see in our club photographer’s Dainius photos. And if you ever stop at SodeliÅ¡kiai Manor, be sure to visit the “Klasika” oak alley…

Photos by Dainius NagelÄ—