Tough Ferguson Club Members
The following three pictures show Fergie Club stalwarts hard at it on Saturday 14th December 2013 at a ploughing match at Udny, north of Aberdeen, It was a very cold day, blowing a gale, & then the rain came on later. The drivers are, Charlie McDonald, Douglas Scott & Bob Shepherd.
Cumbrian pensioner successfully led vintage tractors across notorious Morecambe Bay
for Diabetes UK
The first ever convoy of vintage Massey Ferguson tractors will crossed the hazardous sands of Morecambe Bay, between Cumbria and Lancashire, to raise money for Diabetes UK this Summer.
Bob Dickman, 81, from Bampton, Cumbria organised and led the seventeen mile return drive. Mr Dickman himself drove will a 1954 fully reconditioned, Grey Ferguson TEF 20 tractor.
He said: “A similar crossing was successfully undertaken by Land Rovers some years ago, but this was the first time such a crossing was undertaken by tractors. Massey Ferguson is a massive part of Cumbria’s heritage, the tractors were enormously popular from the 1950s onwards, and are still in use today, plus Massey Ferguson is part of my own, personal history, I worked for the company for over 40 years.”
A huge amount of money was raised – £5,554.10 for Diabetes UK.
Money raised from the convoy will go to a Diabetes UK, Type 1 diabetes research project conducted by Kings College, London. The cheque will be presented on the 18th December to Professor Peter Jones from Kings College.
Tractor Run raising Money for Alzheimers
My name is Michael Fishwick, self-employed engineer from Marple.
My Ferguson T20 tractor was acquired by my late father in the late 70’s. The engine was seized up and incomplete, the front smashed in, the mudguards and one back wheel rim were rotten. Also, the front tyres were badly ripped so, all in all, the tractor was in a bit of a state.
My father had intended ‘doing it up’ but the Fergie was left outside under a sheet for a few years and then pushed into the back of a shed where it stayed. In the meantime, my father was getting older and then Dementia set in and he died in 2008.
Over the years I have restored one or two vintage vehicles and a 1914 motorcycle. Last year I didn’t have a project on, so decided it would be nice to do up the old Fergie. With the help of my friend Martin it was extracted from the depths of the shed. I had in my possession a 3 cylinder Perkins engine out of a generator, so I measured it up and decided it would fit in the Fergie, making it more economical to run.
I decided to do a sponsored run in the tractor from John O’Groats to Land’s End in memory of my father and on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Research UK, so major renovations were required. I fabricated a new engine backplate and flywheel housing, and a front engine mounting. The Perkins is a taller engine than the original, so the bonnet needed raising. I made two extra strips and fitted them one each side along the bonnet. An extra panel was made and inserted between the bonnet top and the dash, and the grill was extended to meet the higher top panel.
Next a new stainless exhaust was made, a pair of foot plates and some new rear lights incorporating flashers and stop lights. Father Christmas brought me a new seat cushion and a tool box.
Contact details for the charity run are: Kate Jelen via email: katejelen@hotmail.com or by phone: 01457 857089. To donate to Alzheimer’s Research UK, you can go to the Just Giving site via the ‘Donate’ box on the left or contact Kate.
Rally held at Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire
Rally held at Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire on the 4th. August. One picture is a general view of the very busy stand, the other two are of Ferguson Clubs young member, Gary Norrie, who had a very successful day and who deservedly came away with two awards,one of them being the much coveted “Bob Lindsay” Cup pictured here being presented by Gladys Lindsay.
Thanks to all those that supported the Ferguson Club – Henry Pirie.
..…
Fraserburgh Rally – Sunday 2nd June 2013
…
Fraserburgh Vintage Rally Report by Henry Pirie
First picture is a general view of our very busy stand & the other is of Gladys collecting the trophy for the “Best Stand” at the show, ably assisted by Emma, her granddaughter, who is a junior member.
Over the last few years we have been nominated for a similar award from quite a few rally’s, which is entirely due to our members making the stand such a welcoming place,
Forres Rally – 5th May
….
Forres Rally report by Henry Pirie; Pictures taken at our first rally of the season at Forres. It was quite a nice day with lots of sunshine but very windy, and at one stage the tent almost blew away before we got it anchored to some vehicles! The stand was very busy all day, both at the merchandise table and the tea table, and also answering the many questions we get fired at us!
2013 Annual Members Weekend and AGM
May I on behalf of my team here in Gwent & South Wales,extend a very heartfelt Thank You to all the members of The Ferguson Club who travelled from all parts of The British Isles to attend our weekend.
We hope we put on a varied programme for you and that you all enjoyed yourselves,it was nice to meet up with members from far away who are very loyal to our club and travel and support our members weekend and I thank you for your friendship and the thanks you gave at the end of the weekend.
It would be amiss of me if I didn’t mention The Tractor Boys from Aberthin who not only took the time to take tractors to St Fagans on Saturday but also provided some light refreshments for us,most of these guys are our Club members as well.Thank You.
Our Area Rep from The Vale of Glamorgan,Basil George who got involved at the start when I said we would host the members weekend for all the organising at St Fagans and his generous sponsorship of the Coaches for members travel on Saturday.Thank You.
And my team here,without their support and help it would have made my job a lot harder.Thank You.
Area Representative for Gwent & East Wales.
Peter Aston
Brook Farm.Bishton.Newport.Gwent.NP18 2DZ
Telephones:-01633-412780.Mobile;-07770762602.email:-paston@btinternet.com
Tractor World 2/3 March – Malvern 2013 / Ferguson Club Stand
The Ferguson Club win best Club Stand – a marvellous display was put on replicating the AIRFIX Ferguson Tractor Kit – the first Airfix kit made in the World! …..see pictures below….. full thanks go to all those that took part ; especially Gary and Wendy Downes Ferguson Club Reps. There was great teamwork on display and the judges selected the Ferguson Club stand as the best at the show.
Tractor World2013-Rhys and Lewis Kedward receive award for best Ferguson junior members.
Harold Beer –Close friend of the Ferguson Club
It is with great sadness that we report the passing away of Harold Beer
Harold Beer
21st March 7th 1947 – 26th January 2013
Harold Beer, family man, farmer and Ferguson enthusiast who worked his Fergies with their implements on the family farm, Great Shortridge in North Devon.
Harold’s fondness for all things Ferguson was formed when, as a young boy, his mother insisted that his father replace their tired old horse with a TEA 20. Loyalty to that marque was retained throughout his life. As the family worked hard to extend their business, additional Ferguson and MF equipment was bought in. To expand their acreage they bought Great Shortridge Farm in 1967.
His wife Eileen and their daughters Jean and Gemma, who also shared Harold’s passion for all things Ferguson, actively supported what Harold and his two brothers were working towards.
Harold had been a long time member of The Ferguson Club, their North Devon representative as well as being Club Chairman. (Vice Chairman 2000, Chairman 2002/4)
It was in the year 2000 that Old Pond Publishing were looking for a location where they could produce a series of DVDs featuring Ferguson tractors, and most of the range of implements, under real working conditions. It was suggested that they contact Harold who had a huge collection of Ferguson equipment. This was the genesis of the series they produced, ‘Ferguson on the Farm’ parts 1, 2 and 3. The amount of work and dedication that Harold put into this project, single handed, is abundantly clear in the quality of what was achieved in this series. This is validated by the very successful sales worldwide. As a result of the popularity of these DVDs, a much wider audience knew Harold.
Harold was diagnosed with prostate cancer about seven years ago. When he told me of his condition he said ‘I have a health problem that is not going to go away’. He bravely and positively continued his life with that knowledge, supported by Eileen, Jean and Gemma.
Harold’s funeral was held on Sunday 10th February at Umberleigh Christian Fellowship. He was taken to the Church using his original TE20 tractor and 30cwt trailer.
300+ people attended showing how highly hewas held intheir esteem. There was a good turnout of Ferguson Club members. One member said it was very moving and interesting. The pallbearers wore Massey-Ferguson boilersuits, which were donated by Massey Ferguson. Harold was finally laid to rest overlooking his beloved farm.
Donations in Harold’s memory were divided between The North Devon Hospice, North Devon District Hospital Chemotherapy Unit Appeal and Prostate Cancer UK.
Eileen, Jean and Gemma would like to thank all the Ferguson Club members who attended Harold’s funeral and they are sorry they did not manage to speak to everyone. ‘We really appreciate their support and the messages we received, as well’.
Mike Thorne, who wrote this obituary, adds the following.
On a personal level I have known Harold for 33 years, firstly as a customer for farm buildings and latterly sharing a common interest in collecting Ferguson machinery. A kind friend and
neighbour – a true gentle man in every sense of the term.
