Hit and Miss Magazine

Transcription

1 Rodney Sansom and Dianne Gooley: Woodberry: Smiles every day. Hunter Valley Vintage Farm Machinery Club Inc. Josh Darocha Tuggerah The Smallest Tractor But big smiles. Sooty and The Aveline & Porter Roller: Maitland: Came especially. Hit and Miss Magazine 2014 March NOTICE: After consultation with the Club Executive Committee and due to the huge response of wonderful photos and stories which I have received, a larger Hit and Miss Newsletter (299) has been published for March only. I thank everyone who has contributed with your photos and stories. No: 299 REMINDER Next Meeting in April will be held on - TUESDAY at 7.30pm. At Maitland Park Bowling Club. (Easter Monday: The Bowling Club will be closed.) Central Coast Group will meet on Wednesday, 16 th April (As noted by John by phone) At 7.30pm at Gosford Showground Committee Room. Details contact John Crowhurst:

2 Contacts and Club Calendar HUNTER VALLEY VINTAGE FARM MACHINERY CLUB INC President Bob Beggs Singleton Ave THORNTON 2322 Secretary Don Lean Raymond Terrace Rd BERRY PARK cliffdon@harboursat.com.au Treasurer Judy Draper Weakleys Dr BERESFIELD NSW 2322 Show Organizer Wayne Stuart Market St HINTON bud018@bigpond.com Magazine Editor Carleen Lean Raymond Terrace Rd BERRY PARK cliffdon@harboursat.com.au Vehicle Registrar Mervyn Turner Myles St DUNGOG 2420 (Retiring Vehicle Registrar as at 30 th March 2014) APRIL 2014 Upper Hunter Show Inc., - Muswellbrook Showground - 4 th and 5 th April 2014 Steamfest Maitland Rally Ground: School Day will be 11 th April then Rally Days: 12 th & 13 th April 2014 Sled will be at Steamfest and are looking for tractor enthusiasts to come along and try the challenge. Weekend of 5 th 6 th April will be a working bee at the Maitland Rally Ground. Turners three day Adventure Tractor Trek Easter 18 th 21 st April 2014 Contact: Merv Turner Based from Reg Turner s property: Glen William. Lake Macquarie Classic Boatfest - Easter Saturday and Sunday - 19 th & 20 th April MAATES Chuggalot Trek - an April ramble in the Wattagans - contact Josh ( NB: Mobile was incorrect last month) or Joshua.darocha@bigpond.com - 26 th & 27 th April. MAY 2014 Tocal Field Days - 2 nd to 4 th May 2014 Agreement form in this edition. Contact Secretary for passes. Berrima District Old Machinery Club Inc. - Inaugural Vintage Rally, Field Day and Tractor Trek 2nd, 3 rd and 4 th May. Morisset Community Festival 18 th May to be held at Morisset Showground: Contact John Crowhurst for further details: Village Art Festival - club display in Tucker Park Paterson - 24 th or 25 th May Date to be finalised. JULY 2014 Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club Inc th Old Wheels in Motion Rally - Biloela - setup 18 th, rally 19 th & 20 th July UPCOMING EVENTS TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR: Dunedoo Bulldog Tractor Trek - Dunedoo - October Long weekend - 4 th, 5 th and 6 th October - Mainly Bulldogs, but any tractor capable of 15km per hour welcome. Contact: Chris Horton: Details and final costing will be inserted in the next issue. Cranky Handle Rally - 25th and 26 th October At The Rally Ground Maitland NHMA National Rally - Quercus Park, Carrick Tasmania - 27 th, 28 th Feb & 1 st March 2015.

3 Central Coast Group John Crowhurst notified the HVVFMC Inc. that there would be no Central Coast meeting for March. Next meeting will be held on 16 th April (Phone call with John 29 th March) N H M A Newsletter The Official Newsletter of the National Historical Machinery Association Inc. ABN: Incorporation No. A V NUMBER 68 February 2014 Meetings... Meetings... Meetings!!! Two important meetings for the Association are on the horizon. The Committee of Management will hold a meeting at the Lockington Living Heritage Rally on the 26 th April 2014, commencing at 1.30 pm. Then, it is the NHMA AGM being held on Sunday 27 th April 2014 at 9.00 am, also at the Lockington Rally. Please find full details on a separate advice included with this Newsletter. President s Report: February, Well our 2014 Rally season is well and truly up and running with January and February disappearing so fast. No doubt, the Easter Bunny will hop into our lives shortly. Your N.H.M.A. Committee of Management is in the process of working with our Tasmanian Representatives and Clubs towards the 15 th National Rally which will be held in Tasmania at Quercus Park, during 27 th February to 1st March, Keep in touch with our Website together with the countdown site from the Host Clubs or nhmarally@gmail.com. Current countdown time is 375 days 2 hours 2 minutes and 45 seconds Application forms and camping details are up and running so get in now to make Tasmania N.H.M.A. Rally 2015 your next overseas trip. Make sure that you are at Lockington for the next N.H.M.A AGM. Our appreciation of thanks goes to Lockington & District Living Heritage Complex for hosting our AGM. Their 17 th Annual Vintage Tractor & Machinery Rally will be held on the 26 & 27 th April, Safe Travelling, Alan Shepherd President Secretary s notes... By the time your club receives this Newsletter, the NHMA National Tractor Trek hosted by the Hunter Valley Vintage Farm Machinery Club, will be right on us. The central venue is the Dungog Showground, and is shaping up to be a great event. In case you are still deciding whether to participate or not, the dates are March, with the official dinner on the Friday night. If you wish to obtain further information, contact the club secretary Don Lean on or mob or cliffdon@harboursat.com.au Also see the latest edition of TOMM.

4 The NHMA is providing some sponsorship for this event, plus at least two of the Committee will be attending the dinner in an official capacity. The NHMA are also having two banners made for clubs holding major events. There will be conditions applied to the use and handling of these banners, but they will be free of hire costs to affiliated clubs. The Yass Farm Machinery Club will be holding their Woo-Back Heavy Horse ploughing day over the 3 4 May weekend. Should be an exciting experience please try and make it. Contact Chris Broers Another event, to keep in mind is the Farmall A-B-H-M 75 th Birthday Rally to be held in Bendigo, on the weekend of 31 st May 1 st June Full details were published in the December issue of the NHMA Newsletter. The 2015 NHMA National Rally is creeping up on those who intend to participate. Information will be on the National Rally Site as well as the NHMA website in the near future. I spent a great day at Warrangong near Lockhart NSW on the 9 th Feb. The harvest day, with Jan & Kerry Pietsch being the principal organisers was very well planned and staged. A feast of harvesting gear, repaired and maintained by Kerry would be one of the best, if not the best, collection of harvesting machinery in Australia. Congratulations to Jan & Kerry and all helpers. By the way, Jan was a former secretary of the NHMA, perhaps this is why parking, crowd control, fencing, general safety aspects and entrance to machinery compounds was carried out so well. Clubs are reminded that they have until the 30 th April to request affiliation/insurance for new members/stragglers. There will be no issue of insurance cards after this date until the new insurance year begins at the end of July The Lockington & District Living Heritage Complex Inc. This club s annual rally is well worth a visit plenty of good fellowship heaps of machinery of all types something for the ladies - plus this year, your club can be part of the NHMA AGM. Contact Paul, Fenton or Joe on the above numbers for registration or more particulars Get it from the horse s mouth!! Arrangements have been made for an OH&S Consultant, who specialises in many areas of OH&S to be at the AGM on Sunday the 27 th April and conduct a short Question & Answer session during the meeting. This is your club opportunity to hear facts on planning and staging public events. Come along with your concerns and share any issues with the consultant and the meeting. Sunday 27 th April, 9.00 am.

5 Agreement from Tocal Field Days with guidelines for Members Attending 2 4th May 2014 Dear Don, Tocal Field Days Association Inc. wishes to invite the Hunter Valley Vintage Farm Machinery Club (HV VFM) to provide demonstrations at the 2014 Tocal Field Days (TFD). The club's contribution over many years has been much appreciated and has added considerably to the educational, historical and entertainment value of the Field Days. Outlined below are conditions as mutually agreed by Hunter Valley Vintage Farm Machinery Club members and the TFD Association, under the guidelines of the Community Groups Policy. AGREEMENT TO CONDUCT VINTAGE FARM MACHINERY DEMONSTRATIONS AT 2014 TOCAL FIELD DAYS, 2 to 4 May 2014 Hunter Valley Vintage Farm Machinery Club agrees to: 1. Provide a range of working machinery and conduct continuous demonstrations on each of the three days 2. Abide by all TFD rules and conditions as outlined in the Exhibitor Prospectus and this agreement. Rules include: leaving dogs or other pets at home Finding accommodation outside the confines of the Tocal property (there is a no camping policy on site). Paying an entry fee for any adults not assisting with display and / or demonstrations Parking all club vehicles and trailers in designated exhibitor car parks. 3. Nominate a club spokesperson to liaise with the TFD office staff. 3. Provide the TFD office with a receipt for a post-event payment of $300 (inc GST) for educational services, showing HV VFM Club letterhead. Tocal Field Days Association Inc. agrees to provide: 1. A designated area to be used for machinery demonstrations, without parked vehicles or trailers on site. This is marked on the map this year as 1 HV Vintage Farm Machinery' 2. Waive site contribution fee of $ A payment for educational services of $300 (Inc. GST) post event. 4. Provide up to 30 x One day passes and 10 x Exhibitor Car Passes. If you require passes in excess of this amount please write at least 21 days prior to the event to the Tocal Field Days Association at fielddays@itocal.com seeking authorisation and approval. 5. Access to an estimated 30,000 visitors to promote the club's activities and recruit new members. 6. Permission to set up a donation box at the exhibit to help cover the club's costs or for a donation to your club's chosen charity. Collection may only take place within the confines of the designated demonstration site. 7. Promotion for the HV VFM Club via media releases, printed promotional materials and the Official Program (42,000 copies). This agreement is to be reviewed on an annual basis by both parties. Signed on behalf of Tocal Field Days Association Wendy Franklin Manager By signing this agreement you agree that you understand the requirements of the NSW Work, Health & Safety (WHS) laws of NSW and as they relate to your business or undertaking with regards to your participation in the TFD and that you will meet the requirements of the WHS laws. You accept that under the WHS guidelines you are the 'Person Controlling a Business or Undertaking' (PCBU) for the conduct of your business at the TFD and as such you are responsible for the Health and Safety of all persons that may be impacted by your site or business at the TFD. More information on your obligations and current act and regulations are available from Signed on behalf of Hunter Valley Vintage Farm Machinery Club Signature: Position: Secretary Print Name: Don Lean Date: 26 th November 2013.

6 From the The Editor Maitland Steam & Antique Machinery Association, Inc. ABN: Inc P.O.Box 351, Maitland. NSW 2320 Phone & Fax Re: Hunter Valley Steamfest th February 2014 Please find enclosed the Maitland Steam & Antique Machinery Association, Registration Form for our show, Hunter Valley Steamfest, which will be held in Maitland from April The Rally ground will again be a challenge to fill, and the shed will ensure the creature comforts are better than previous years. Maitland Steam & Antique Machinery Association would like to invite you to bring your equipment to the 2014 event. Again in 2014 we are having the Schools program on the Friday, and then on the Saturday and Sunday we again have a series of scheduled short talks that will be held in the theatrette in the Powerhouse Museum marquee on the Rally Ground. These talks will last between minutes an area designed to increase the audience s knowledge of steam and heritage restoration. We would like to invite you to present at one of these sessions on a subject of your choice, Please nominate a subject for consideration. In returning your form you will note that we need particular information, which will ensure we maintain a high level of service in relation to provision of requirements In particular for 2014 we will require: We also recommend Camping at the Rally ground Relevant Registration and Insurance certificates and Boiler Cert of Currency if required These forms are being sent out early to assist with budgeting and the timely co- If you have any queries or require assistance with Hunter Valley Steamfest please contact Peter Garnham on We look forward to seeing you at Hunter Valley Steamfest. Yours sincerely: Peter Garnham: President Section 1: Contact Details REGISTRATION DETAILS: (please complete both sides of form) 2014 Rally Ground Attraction Registration Form ONE REGISTRATION FORM PER APPLIANCE PLEASE HUNTER VALLEY STEAMFEST April 2013

7 Applicants Name: Applicants Full Name (Contact): Address: Town/City: Postcode: Phone Number: After Hrs: Business Fax Number: Mobile: Address: Attendance: Can you attend? Yes No AGREEMENT TO COMPLY: I agree (1) to participate in Hunter Valley Steamfest 2014; (2) That such participation shall be at my own risk as to both any equipment I may have at Hunter Valley Steamfest and as to any loss or injury to myself, my employees and agents; (3) To indemnify Maitland Steam and antique Machinery Association Inc, Maitland City Council, against all actions, claims, demands, loss, damages costs and expenses in respect of any loss, damage or injury to any property or any injury or death to any persons arising out of my/our participation in Steamfest (4) To keep current at all times during our participation in Steamfest 2014 a Public Liability Insurance Policy for an amount not less than $10,000,000 ( Ten Million Dollars). I am a member of the club mentioned and that through this membership the $10,000,000 public liability insurance coverage through the clubs affiliation with the National Historic Machinery Association (NHMA) and the card number is stated on the forms I have attached copies of relevant certificates and quotes as requested on the front of this form. NAME: SIGNATURE: DATE: Assistance required? Should you require any assistance or further details of Hunter Valley Steamfest 2014 please do not hesitate to contact Peter Garnham on or garnhamp@bigpond.com.au PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION TO: Maitland Steam & Antique Machinery Association Inc. PO BOX 351, MAITLAND 2320 Peter Garnham on garnhamp@bigpond.com.au Photos and Stories for March One of our newest members, Rodney Hipwell, a farmer from Eccleston was really enjoying his Friday Tractor Drive. Because of farm commitments he was unable to participate in all 3 days drives. Rodney continued on for Saturdays events and looking at the smile on his face, well the old saying goes, A picture speaks a thousand words. Rodney s dad Hilton drove a Lanz Bulldog from Sydney to Eccleston back in 1950 s. Maybe the Tractor Trek for Rodney is certainly in his blood. Great to see you Rodney enjoy everything which you were involved in and it s wonderful to have you join the HVVFMClub Inc.

8 THE RESULTS FROM TRACTOR TREK CATEGORIES. Trophies were donated by both The Sansom Family and on behalf of HVVFMClub Inc., Peter Draper s designed and manufactured plaques for categories listed below. Winners: Best Restored Tractor: John Hopmans MF 135 HiLine Sansom Trophy Best Original Tractor: Tim Longworth MF 165 Sansom Trophy Most Breakdowns: Owen Jones John Deere Sansom Trophy Best Restored Truck: Jeff Boyle Federal Scout Sansom Trophy Best Original Truck: Peter Marquet Albion Sansom Trophy Oldest Trek Driver: Mal Cameron Chamberlain Club Trophy Furthest Driver Travelled: Stephen Sowray U.K. Ferguson TEA 20 Club Trophy Marshall Gould W.A. David Brown Club Trophy Gerard Gelston Tasmania MF 35X Club Trophy Best Distance on the Sled: Mat Ralston John Deere Club Trophy Andrew Marquet Oshkosh Truck Club Trophy Best Engine: Maurie/Faye Nesbitt Restored 3hp/Ruston Hornsby Club Trophy Most Original: Keith Pearce Shearing Plant Club Trophy Best Display: Sansom Family Wool Press Wood Cutting equipment Horseless carriage Club Trophy Post Splitting: Brian Hogmo Singleton / Best Time Club Trophy Best Presented Car: n/a Ford Galaxy Sansom Trophy Most Original: n/a F.C. Holden Sansom Trophy Congratulation to all the winners. You have done extremely well but we do congratulate everyone who has come and contributed on Saturday. You have made Dungog proud. Thankyou very much for your efforts. Tim Longworth with his award and Dianne Gooley along with the Sansom Trophy. A few words from Tom Boorer If our Club gets to be 500 years old, it may never do better than the National Tractor Trek, just gone. Whether you were there or not, be assured, your Club has done you proud. Those of us who were involved in the organising, and running of the trek, from the 18th. to the 22nd of March, can scarcely believe our luck. Firstly, with the weather, which could hardly have been better, and then with the way the whole thing unfolded. What a blast! People started arriving at Dungog Showground a full week before the event was due to start---and from thinking, I hope this thing works, it was suddenly, Hey, it looks like we ve got a live one here! By the evening of the 17th. there were tractors everywhere. It seemed they were under every bush. They came from everywhere too. Tasmania, yes, really, and South Australia. From Queensland, and Victoria.

9 There were folks from West Australia too, but I think they may have left their tractors at home. There was one true enthusiast from the United Kingdom who came all that way, just for the Rally. There appeared to be countless Fergusons. And every second bloke there, seemed to have a Chamberlain. Many of the tractors were pretty much as they d been found, as if they d been abandoned in the bush, before someone found them, put a new battery in them, and a slurp of fuel, and fired them up. Some, of course, were quite the opposite, they looked better than brand new. The Treks out into the wilds of the Dungog-Gresford area proved very popular. There is, it must be said, some pretty spectacular scenery in the Dungog Shire, and we had been blessed with enough rain to green it all up beautifully. The three treks took our visitors over most of the Shire, they had been mapped out by locals who know their district well, and it showed. The comments of the drivers were really complimentary, What amazing scenery, or in the case of the run thru the forest, Wow, look at those trees. The people of Dungog really welcomed the Club s visitors, most of them having some sort of a farming background themselves,---as well as a warm regard for old farmers too. And, of course, the true Stars of the whole week, were the two representatives of the Age of Steam. Sooty, the Fowler Steam traction engine, and the Aveling-Porter steam roller. Oh, Wow. They trundled up and down the main drag, Dowling Street, numerous times. Sooty visited the Public School. The kids were ecstatic! It didn t matter if you were six or sixty, everyone loved those steamers. And their whistles, ah, the whistles! Then, on Saturday morning, came the Parade. We were a bit nervous about the Parade. Will they stay for the parade or will they load up and go home? Well, I am here to tell you, there has never been a parade quite like that one. Oh, there have been bigger ones (but not by much) but for sheer enthusiasm, and the fun factor, that parade will live in people s memory for a long time. It was certainly the biggest parade that Dungog has ever seen. It was about two and a half kilometres long, I and it took fifty minutes to pass a given spot. That is true. A mate of mine timed it. It was led off by the Pipes and Drums of the Maitland Pipe Band. Then came the Age of Steam. Then some tractors, then historic trucks, and a 1902 Auto Wagon, and some line dancers. More tractors, the Rickshaw Hot rod Club, more tractors, the Historic Motor Car Club, more tractors, Dungog s original Ukelele Group, on a Ferguson trailer. And more Tractors. Military vehicles, Motor Cycle Clubs. And yet more tractors,---and the people lining the footpaths, five and six deep in places, clapped and cheered, and waved. It was grand. If you weren t there, then you should have been. Dungog is still buzzin. It s been said, everyone loves a parade. Well, this one surely proved that to be true. The bloke from Tasmania, who had trailered his Ferguson all this way, said it all. He reckoned, I ve been in hundreds of parades, and this one beats em all. And the moment that I will never forget, the two steam tractors, and the two gleaming new JD tractors, crossing each other in Dowling Street. It was a fleeting scene; I just hope someone caught it on camera. If they did, I want a copy. You may never see it again. So, it s over for another two years. But this one will live in people s memories for a lot longer than that. Now, if I could make a comment about the whole concept of the Treks? While there was a number of women who came with their husbands-partners? there was a notable dearth of the fairer sex. The HVVFMC had gone to a bit of trouble to make the Rally one which the women could enjoy, it was a disappointment that more of them didn t come along. I would recommend that where ever they do it again, there ought to be an effort made to try to get the women to come in larger numbers. I was surprised and a little shocked that there were not more women at the Rally. I hadn t realised that the girls, for the most part stayed at home. So, that s it. It s over. And the small band of pilgrims who put it all together, are all as pleased as punch, both that it went so well, and indeed, that it is over. And, could I say, that it doesn t matter whether your tractor looks new, or old, or if indeed the same can be said of you, the acceptance, the great good humour, the camaraderie, is just the same. What a great week of mateship, of sharing a common bond. The true joy of the Rally was palpable. Everyone was so pleased just to be there. Thanks Hunter Valley Vintage Farm Machinery Club. And too, Thanks Dungog.

10 Photos taken by Danny Mackay of the Friday Trek at Flat Tops Dungog and the Parade. Ben Morgan Dungog: TEA 20 Fergie Stephan Sowray U.K: TEA 20 Fergie Peter McLaughlan: East Maitland Fiona Fergie TEA Kate Dorney: Bulahdelah: International A414 Wayne Stuart: Hinton/Farmall A Bill Onley: Bulahdelah:MF 135 Peter Draper: Beresfield/Inter:B250 Rodney Hipwell: Eccleston/Ford 4000

11 David Sweeney: Dubbo/International Charles Vella: Shanes Park/Chamberlain 9G Garth Stuhmcke: Beaudesert/QLD:Fergie TEF 20 Laurie Topp: Flagstone Crk/QLD: Inter B250 Rooster Andrews: Gulgong/Chamberlain Industrial Karl Weinmann/Strathalbyn:SA: M Harris 744 D Sooty drove up especially for the Tractor Trek! How good was that?

12 At the Showground we had all the entertainment possible. Even the camels came for a look Our Engine boys and girls did us proud with their magnificent displays. Ken Melmeth/Shows us Baling equipment from yesteryear. Wayne Melmeth displays the Hammermill Jeff Boyle: Hinton: Federal Scout Truck Dowling Street was a wonderful sight to see.

13 Photos taken of the parade in Dowling Street. A magnificent day and a fantastic parade. Amazing!! 100 years or more of agricultural equipment before our eyes.

14 Photos taken by Don Lean

15 Furthest travelled: Stephen Sowray/UK: Mal Cameron guest speaker/garry Middlebrook and Bob Lean Our Organisers. Rest time!!

16 From cooking the magnificent dinner to the best entertainment possible. NHMA Executive: Robert Schoonderbeek and Kevin Elphick support our Club for the Trek. HVVFMC Tractor Trek 18 to 22 March Bill Burg What a week. I arrived at Dungog on the Monday to see the Showground half full with tractors and entrants. Tuesday saw a lot more arrive, and everyone enjoying the prospect of having a lot of fun on their tractors over the next few days. Wednesday morning was early breakfast for all contestants and associated personnel. 8am saw Scott Brooks giving all the drivers their starting orders, and at 8.30 the flag dropped. Led by a vintage fire engine, 95 tractors took to the track. First pit stop was the Frying Pan camping area saw the first vehicle descend on the food. It wasn t long before the remainder of the contestants arrived, and made quite an impression on the sustenance provided by the Club ladies. Warming cups of tea and coffee thawed the open-air machine operators; enclosed cabin luxuriants just

17 needed conversation and a cold drink! About 9am, the leaders once more hit the tracks. After the last stragglers were evicted from the tables of goodies, we packed up the remains and headed back to the showground and peace for a few hours. About 3pm, the first of the stragglers began returning to the showground. Their main interest seemed to indicate a nice warm shower, quickly followed by some thirst-quenching fluid from a bottle was the order of the evening. Food was a second consideration for some!! Good nights sleep and sunrise saw another army of people heading for breakfast prior to heading into the wild blue yonder of the Hills of Dungog for another day of fun (?). I had the pleasure of accompanying 8 ladies on a more interesting trip to visit Paterson, Tocal Homestead and the Olive farm before catching up with the hungry hoards at Gresford for food. Some of the ladies were hoping to travel back to Dungog on the tractor with their husbands. I think they were lucky they missed them, as Huie decided to send some material from the sky designed to settle the dust and ensure the open-air drivers were wet as well as cold when they arrived at the showground. Friday it was on again. This time I was able to accompany the trek in one of the tail-end vehicles. These vehicles were used to pick up the direction flags and any pieces of tractors. Fortunately, not a very used feature! One Fergy 35 almost ended its journey on the trailer, but the shock and embarrassment of such an ignominious end gave it such a fright that it behaved itself, fired up and continued the trek OK. No other incidents for the day, apart from a fantastic morning tea and then lunch at Hatfield Park. Final run to the Showground for a photo shoot, then showers etc before the dinner Friday night. This feast was prepared and served by the crew from Maitland Steam Heritage Club, and a great job done by them. Congratulations to all of them. Saturday dawned bright and sunny. The vintage vehicle parade started the day in Dungog, reputed to be even better than anything even England can offer! Following the parade, everyone descended on the showground for a full day of enjoyment with many attractions and activities on the go. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves with all the activities, even the food. A few stalwart members worked exceedingly hard for a good 3 hours, feeding the many visitors. For 2 hours solid, I took money while the ladies handed out the sandwiches and drinks. A couple of others worked flat out on the BBQ plate, trying to keep up the supply. 3 others were flat out making sandwiches at another location. Altogether, it was a major effort by a few Club members when a bit of assistance from a few others would have been very welcomed. The afternoon saw a number of participants loading up their tractors to head for home. Fairly quickly, the exhibits folded up, leaving the entertainment to the music and entertainers in the pantec in front of the Grandstand. A good evening of music was enjoyed by all. Sunday, and Dungog returned to normal! A fantastic week was had by the tractor drivers, with the best result being there were no accidents over the week. The Committee and organisers put in an enormous amount of hard work to make sure the Tractor Trek went off with no serious problems. Huge congratulations to the few who made this event what it turned out to be. Huge congratulations must also go to the few slaves on Saturday who worked so hard to feed the multitudes. Summary. Great effort by a few for the many. Charlie Bartolo: Rang and said how much he enjoyed the days in Dungog and that the Committee needed a pat on the back for the effort put into the organisation of the event. Photos taken by Min Boorer of some of the events over the few days. The Ukulele Band playing at the Friday night Dinner. Tom Boorer did very well on the Tractor Pull

18 Trevor Hunt: Dungog: Fergie TEA 20 Some of tractors in the Saturday Parade in Dowling Street Peter Draper s photos. Evidence of the bad wind storm on Sunday afternoon Don t forget Steamfest!! Friday morning Trek heading east of Dungog

19 Morning tea at Thalaba Church Hall Thursday Lunch stop at Gresford Showground. The WOW! Factor with each photo. Thanks Pete.

20 Photos from Allan More. Bandon Grove Photo shoot. Jennifer Fotheringham/Freemans Reach: Porshe 238 Brian Morgan:Aberdeen: Chamberlain 9G Garry Middlebrook:Bandon Grove: Fergie TEA 20 Andrew Smith/East Gresford: International: AOS 6 Owen Jones/Gunnedah: John Deere

21 The John Deere Piano in Dowling Street Photos by Dean Ruddy Clarencetown NSW

22 Photos from Scott Brooks

23 Some photos were supplied but due to the size of our magazine I could not fit them in. For Sale Please contact Boof Keith McCaulie 37 Edward Street Kurri Kurri 2327 or phone: mix ring sets, mostly Repco: pre ¼ - 3 5/8 / Box Mix slipper bearings unknown models: From $5.00 Stationary engines mounted on towable trailer. 4 x Belt Drive Mix pumps / 1 x 2 deep well hand crank pump / 3hp Peter tyre A1:missing mag cap: Good condition complete 3hp Early B/S Starts / runs 1940?s: 8hp B/S starts / runs good condition: 10hp B/S no spark? : 2 x misc small motors Ford Pre 1950 head lights suit misc light Trucks Cars Tractors etc. Mostly 12v fitted Lucas sealed Beams x 9 $ Toyo Ace Holden Engine/ starts /stops/drives: Rear of truck ready for swap meet or markets etc.: Loaded saleable Bits/ other parts available with truck: $ /Toyo Ace trailer/motor/rings/bearings/h/lights:$ Collection of books Tractors steam stationery engines etc. Joke of the month Today's word is: Fluctuations I was at my bank today; there was a short line. There was just one lady in front of me, an Asian lady who was trying to exchange yen for dollars. It was obvious she was very irritated... She asked the teller, "Why it change? Yesterday, I get two hunat dolla for yen. Today I only get hunat eighty? Why it change?" The teller shrugged his shoulders and said, "Fluctuations." The Asian lady says, "Fluc you white people too" Thank you to everyone who contributed to our March edition. As you can see the response has been overwhelming. Hope everyone is well and sorry no room for social news. But with everything which has happened and the smiles on everyday faces, it s a good sign all is good. Please don t forget to share any of your news, articles and your photos by 28 th of each month, so we can all enjoy the moment too. The Newsletter is only as good as you make it. Thank you. Carleen.