Big thank you from Lisburn.com

'Biggest ever' celebration at Ferguson homestead

Exhibitors attend from all over Britain and Ireland

LAST Saturday's Harry Ferguson celebration at 'Growell', the inventor's homestead was the biggest ever such event to take place at the famous location.

There were approximately 560 tractor exhibits as well as a wide variety of implements and machinery.

"Just about every available model of Ferguson Grey and Massey Ferguson was on display in the famous Ferguson long field," said Mr. Bill Forsythe of the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee.

"Exhibitors came from England, Scotland and Wales, and there was a very big attendance from every part the Republic.

"As regards spectators, to be there was the only way to appreciate the volume of people attending this very sunny spectacular event which was supported by Lisburn City Council and Laganside Rural

Development.

"Both parties have been a great help in staging our event and are fully behind us in our future memorial project."

Tommy Anderson and his daughter Susan in attendance at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show at Growell. BL34-409SM Gordon Clarke, left, chats to Alan Bell at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show. BL34-410SM Enjoying their day at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show at Growell are Megan Wilson from Dromore and her friend Katie Stewart from Ballykeel. BL34-417SM
Tommy Anderson and his daughter Susan. BL34-409SM  Gordon Clarke left and Alan Bell at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show. BL34-410SM  Megan Wilson from Dromore and her friend Katie Stewart from Ballykeel. BL34-417SM  
On a tractor at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show at Growell are Hannah Jess, Chloe Stewart and Aaron Stewart. BL34-414SM RIGHT: Looking for a bargain at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show at Growell are Luke McArney, Mark McArney and Matthew Starrs. BL34-412SM
Ivan Scott from Dromore and his grandson
Adam Gracey
BL34-418SM   		  Hannah Jess, Chloe Stewart and Aaron Stewart. BL34-414SM   Looking for a bargain at Growell are Luke McArney, Mark McArney and Matthew Starrs. BL34-412SM  
Friends of Ferguson Heritage director George McAleer, right, pictured at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show at Growell with Dave McCarthy and Pat Irwin. BL34-411SM   
Friends of Ferguson Heritage director George McAleer, right, pictured at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show at Growell with Dave McCarthy and Pat Irwin. BL34-411SM  Friends of Ferguson Celebration Committee members Robert Kerr, Bill Forsythe and Eric Jess pictured at the commit-tee's annual show at Growell. BL34-415SM    
Matt Foreman starts up his Ferguson tractor at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show. BL34-408SM  James Gray pictured on his 1923 350cc AJS at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show last Saturday. BL34-416SM , I  
Matt Foreman starts up his Ferguson tractor at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show. BL34-408SM   James Gray pictured on his 1923 350cc AJS at the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee Show last Saturday. BL34-416SM , I  

Mr. Forsythe had a particular word of thanks for the Committee's 'Ferguson Friends' from Virginia Co. Cavan for all their help and assistance in putting the show together.

Gratitude was also expressed to all local businesses who helped with the celebration.

"The show does not happen without the help of all those Ferguson tractor owners who supplied endless interesting exhibits to include three prize winners on the day," Mr. Forsythe continued.

"First prize went to a Mr. Patterson from Kilkeel showing a Ferguson Brown; Second prize to a Mr. Gould from Devon showing a Massey Harris, and third to a Mr. Cromie from Rathfriland showing a Massey Ferguson 595 model.

"A fantastic day was had by one and all. It was our biggest show ever at the homestead and we hope to repeat it next year commemorating the 60th anniversary of the grey TE 20 tractor - probably the best known tractor in the world."

Mr. Forsythe urged everyone not to miss the 2006 event.

Ulster Star
26/08/2005