Ferguson Homestead event on the horizon

This year’s event celebrates 50 years of the popular 35x model and the committee is asking owners to get in touch, with a view to staging a very special photograph.

The committee’s Bill Forsythe said, “This particular model must be one of the most sought-after classic tractors in the world, certainly the best looking tractor of its time.

“Many of these 35x models have been restored to better-than-new condition and many are from Ireland; we of course have been exhibiting such examples over many years at the homestead events. We, the committee, appeal for all 35x owners, irrespective of the tractors’ condition, to contact us as soon as possible and hopefully offer us their machines for 18 August.

“We would like to have enough models to form the numbers 3 and 5 and letter X and therefore take an aerial view photograph and supply you with a copy - weather permitting.”

The committee is likewise appealing for the owners of all Ferguson tractors, in all colours, plus other makes, such as Nuffield/Fordson/David Brown/Ford etc to exhibit, in implements and machinery alike.

“As usual,” said Mr. Forsythe, “we will offer all exhibits with an attendance award unique to the Ferguson day and bearing our logo.”

Classic cars and commercials are all also welcome and will receive an award.

Among those calling for widespread public support for the Ferguson events - which, as always, include an evening tractor run ahead of Saturday’s main event, on Friday night, August 17 (7pm) - are the Bailey family from Dromara.

The celebration committee’s chosen charity this year is the Children’s Hyperinsulinism Fund, based at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, and seven-year-old Georgina Bailey suffers from hyperinsulism and associated epilepsy.

Georgina’s mum, Christine, said, “This should be an interesting and entertaining family fun event and I do hope that you will be able to attend to support this very worthwhile cause.”

Mr. Forsythe added, “The Ferguson Homestead event offers attractions for all ages, including operating mini-digger skills, remote control driving skills, manual tractor-pull, kiddies’ tractor driving, bouncy castle, old tractor parts, toys, live music and lots of great food, including ice-cream.

It’s fun for all the family and all proceeds are for charity.”

Meanwhile, the group’s latest DVD -The Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden Story: 1999 to 2008, showing the unveiling of the statue of Harry Ferguson - is on sale now. For more information, call Bill on 028 9269 2110 or 077 2026 2530 or Gerald on 028 9269 3454.