We had a great ANZAC Day Open Day! We enjoyed perfect weather, excellent numbers of visitors to the Park, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves showing off our treasures. One of our tractors played up at the close, could not be re-started, and had to be pushed back into the shed. Clearly it needs a bit more attention! We hosted “Puff the Tragic Dragon”, the Blitz fire appliance lovingly restored by Hornsby Shire RFS volunteers.
The next Open Day will be Sunday, 29 September, so put it in your diary and come and have a picnic in the Park and pay us a visit.
Some will have spotted my slip-up in the last issue – it was a repeat of last year’s – my apologies. The feature photo last month was an example of the 1918 International truck we are working on that I photographed at a winery at Rutherglen, Victoria, whilst down there in March. That one is the closest known to us, so every chance has to be taken to guide our approach to its restoration. Work continues on its chassis is being prepared for some welding and repairs, and then painting. We have agreed on a colour scheme, and the chassis will be “International Red”, the same as that used on one of our McCormick-Deering tractors. Many other aspects are being worked on too, with focus continuing on the engine. One thing is certain; the donated truck had had a hard life – lots of swapping parts around to use the best available! We have found a Facebook group that is providing a useful opportunity to exchange information.
The 3-wheeled motorised “Pyramid” trolley featured last month has inspired our small engine specialist to get started on it. It is early days yet, but it looks a promising project, with its engine restored to running condition already.
One of our recently joined members not only has a strong interest in lawn mowers, but also in bush regeneration and gardening generally. He has tackled an infestation of Madeira vine in the Netherby gardens, and reports he is winning the fight.
The Fagan Park museums and Netherby Homestead are open every Tuesday, our volunteering day, and we open the museums on the second Sunday each month during the afternoon. All visitors are welcome.
We would especially like to encourage people to join our group, and ladies are most welcome. Contact me at the park on a Tuesday or phone anytime.
Ian Browning, Honorary Curator, 0419 435 475.
