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WITPG Annual Show - 2009
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On a wet drizzly day in August, we held our annual
show at the new venue at Tong Hall Showground. A new site for this
years show, the showground easily accommodated all the vehicles on
display, with plenty room to spare.
This year’s show was opened by Angus Brendan Macneil,
MP for the Western Isles. He entertained the crowd with a very good
speech. He spoke about the way the group has progressed and it’s future
aim to have a Transport Museum, his own experiences of classic vehicles
and tractors, commenting on the corporation between restorers where a
Ferguson tractor seat had gone from Barra to Borve, Lewis, to help out a
fellow restorer. He thanked the group for asking him to open the show
and thanked all the exhibitors who gave of their time to attend and
display their pride and joys. |
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This year’s show had the added luxury of using the Tong
hall for extra displays an added dimension to the show. There were two
model displays from the mainland, which created a big interest both had a
diorama display (land scale model displays), one was of a ferry port where
lorries were waiting to load onto a ferry in this case one to Orkney and
Shetland from Robbie Homes specializing in Stevens of Wick. It had roads and
buildings looking very realistic. The other was of a quarry scene, where
there were model vehicles from Wimpey belonging to Ian Maclean, Altbea.
They had quite a selection of models, from lorries, diggers and cranes. The
usual photo display by Calum Maclennan was, as always, with the public
taking keen interest in the old photos of past times.
The tea proved as popular as ever, with the home baking
made by Ina Glen going down a treat. The BBQ was also on site giving out
the irresistible aroma of cooking burgers.
Added to this year’s show was a driving simulator, where
your driving skills were put to the test and results of your driving was
displayed on paper, showing just how good a driver you were. This proved
very popular with unexpected results! |
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An unusual exhibit this year was a Trojan car (right). This
company usually deals with lorries, explaining why this car had such a
big engine (as the name suggests). The car weighed in at 7 tonnes and
is quite easy to drive, according to its owner Terry Pine.
We had the usual local exhibits - lorries, tractors,
diggers and bikes. The Classic Cars were out in full force with a total
of 40, an excellent turnout, despite the dreech weather.
Click image (right) to enlarge |
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Visiting at this year’s show was Allan Beresford, a
nephew of A J Beresford, who brought up a Ford Transit tipper same as the
one which Mr Beresford started his business with, a tribute to the man
himself, who sadly passed away in February of this year. The transit was
exactly restored and painted in A.J. Beresford colours. It shows what a
true enthusiast can do – if a truck is too much, a Transit Pick-up is the
next best thing and does not take up much more space than a car.
We also had a stall by the Lewis Car Club, promoting the
Hebrides Rally in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. They had an impressive
display of rally cars and merchandise which proved very popular to young and
old alike.
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The group was successful in finding a new showground
with a larger space for the various exhibits and vehicles. The Tong
Hall Showground setting proved to be an excellent venue.
The Committee would like to thank George Moody and
the T.R.A. for their help and advice, Angus Brendan Macneil for opening
the show, all the helpers who gave of their time and effort, Ina Glenn
for her wonderful home-baking, the staff at the teas, Kimbo and his BBQ,
the exhibitors who came from near and far to take part in the display,
sponsors and anyone involved in the organizing and setting up of the
show.
We hope to see you all again next year. |
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2009 Annual Show Prizewinners
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