NEXT Friday (September 14) will see a dream
begin to come true for a group of Harry Ferguson enthusiasts
keen to see a memorial erected to the Dromore man whose
invention of the 'wee grey fergie' tractor changed the lives of
farmers all over the world.
The first sod of a memorial garden
commemorating the inventor's life and work is due to be dug at
his former home 'Growell' at 3.00pm.
Appropriately, the organisers are keeping
their fingers crossed this will be done by a period Massey
Ferguson digger machine instead of a spade.
Mr. Bill Forsythe of the Ferguson Celebration
Committee explained the Memorial Garden will be set opposite the
Ferguson Homestead.
"It will feature a life size bronze statue of
Harry as well as a facility to display a Ferguson tractor plus
information and history boards," he continued.
"The Memorial Garden will be designed so
photographs taken will include the house in the background."
The local Committee will be joined by
Ferguson enthusiasts from Virginia in Co. Cavan.
Arts and Culture Minister Lagan Valley MLA
Edwin Moots has also been invited along with local council
representatives.
Mr. Forsythe explained fund raising for the
project began seven years ago.
"We are still holding events at the Homestead
every August. We thank all those who have supported us in the
past by attending our events from all over the country," he
concluded.
neil.greenlees@jpress.co.uk
