Chris Smyth of Massey Ferguson
UK and Ireland holding a picture of Harry
Ferguson to promote the Harry Ferguson Homestead
Event on August 19. In the background are the
Birthplace of Harry Ferguson, a vintage Massey
Ferguson and new model. Also included are the
Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee and Rodney
Crawford of Cyril Johnston Carryduff. US32-113A0
Picture By: Aidan O'Reilly
THE 60th birthday party of 'the wee grey
fergie', the tractor which revolutionised farming life all over
the world, will take place at its inventor's homestead,
`Growell' between Hillsborough and Dromore, next Saturday
(August 19).
The event in 'the long field' will be staged
by the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee and Midlands group
Virginia.
It will feature the biggest show of Ferguson Te
20s in the world.
The organisers will also be celebrating the
green light being given to the Harry Ferguson memorial project
which has been in the planning for some time now.
The memorial will be set up opposite the
Ferguson Homestead.
INVENTIONS
"The 'wee grey Fergie' was just one of
Harry's many inventions and we on the committee always felt that
Harry was long overdue some sort of recognition for being
Ireland's great inventor turning agriculture on its head and
making life so much easier for the farming community throughout
the world," said a Committee spokesperson.
"Hence the future memorial garden at Growell
was just the right thing to do."
Returning to the birthday party he said this
year's event would display every Te 20 the organisers could get
their hands on.
"So far we have exhibits coming from England,
Scotland, Wales, Cork, Wexford, Virginia, Killarney, Westport,
Donegal and just about every county in Northern Ireland," he
continued.
"This show will also commemorate the birthday
of many other Ferguson models right through to Massey Ferguson,
not to mention brand new tractors from various local dealers.
"Other attractions on the day will be live
music from local country and western star Trevor Dickson, all
kinds of food and refreshments will be available and trade
stands and stalls will offer something to please everyone."
