Pictured at the former home of Harry Ferguson as work begins on a memorial garden to mark his many achievements, are Roy Poots, George Cromie and Bill Forsythe, members of the committee behind the project.

PREPARATIONS are well underway for the official opening of the Harry Ferguson Memorial on August 16.

Work began at the Hillsborough site in March with part being developed into a car park to accommodate visitors and enthusiasts expected from all over the globe.

The rest of the site will consist of a pathway leading up to the garden opposite the homestead where there will be the bronze statue of Harry himself standing by the gate which stood in the garden until a few weeks ago and which is now restored ready for the big day.

The garden will also display information boards at various locations offering history on Harry's many inventions throughout the years.

Garden seating will be available for those who wish to stay a while and take in the first real memorial put together opposite the birthplace of the pioneer and inventor.

A spokesperson for the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee said: "We and the Midlands club are, of course, excited to see the work finally started and could not have done it alone, many people helped us along the way -mainly the enthusiasts and exhibitor attenders over the past few years, without whose input in making our August events successful our finances would have meant a few more years to start datel."

The committee are appealing for every Ferguson tractor to attend the official opening in August. Log onto the committee's new website www.harryfergusoncelebrationcommittee.com for more information.

Ulster Star
09/05/2008