Centenary of Ferguson's first flight celebrated in documentary
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| Mat McElhinney plays the young Harry Ferguson in his trademark white Linen suit in The Man Who Could Fly. US4409- | Eddie Irvine ponders the amazing story of how Harry Ferguson was the first man in Ireland to fly. US4409- |
HARRY Ferguson is known to many people as the local man who won the hearts of farmers across the world in the 1950s when he produced the Ferguson TE20 - a tractor with a remarkable compact design and acclaimed performance.
He is also recognised as one of Northern Ireland's most successful businessmen - a shrewd, hard working, down-to-earth man with an irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit who was determined to succeed.
But there is another side and another version of the Harry Ferguson story. And a BBC One Northern Ireland documentary on Monday, November 2 at 9.00pm looks at how Harry became the first man in Ireland to fly his own aeroplane. The Man Who Could Fly, produced by DoubleBand Films, tells the story of how, 100 years ago in 1909, at the age of only 25, he designed, built and took flight in his flying machine at Hillsborough.
Presented by former Formula One driver Eddie Irvine the programme tells the intriguing story of how Ferguson achieved this remarkable feat of flight -an activity that we take for granted in this age of low cost airlines.
The programme includes contributions from Harry Ferguson's three grandchildren, Jamie Sheldon, Caroline Sheldon and Sally Fleming along with a host of expert contributors.
The Man Who Could Fly also features dramatic re-enactments telling a story that will give viewers a new insight into a hidden chapter in the life of Harry Ferguson.
Ulster Star
30/10/2009
