Setting the Boundaries
With the installation of the skate park in the showground, in addition to the playground equipment, the area covered has increased significantly. With an increase in users of the showground, there was a need to create a boundary to ensure that children using the area were protected from vehicle danger as parking increased.
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The Upper Lachlan Shire has responded by placing a log boundary around the area of the skate park and the playground that should ensure all users of the showground can enjoy what is a great family and visitor facility without danger.
Untold Story of Trucking Frontier
Occasionally I have the honour of meeting individuals who have not only lived a life of significance but are still shedding light on what is an emerging frontier of our time – truck driving history in Australia.
One such an individual is Ted Scarfe, who has not only captured more than 50 years on the road in his book ‘Diesel in My Veins’, he continues to tell more details of what the early years were like.
I was lucky to meet Ted again briefly on his way to a reunion in Gundagai for drivers from the early days of overnight freight.
The story of the Macks specifically built to drive the overnight Sydney to Melbourne and back route, before the dual carriage Hume Highway, is well known.
But Ted wanted to tell me of an earlier time when another vehicle was used in a similar way. He was referring to the late 1950’s Ford Thames Trader 4 tonne. It might seem an unlikely overnight express, but it was tough and the first truck of its type able to do 65 mph with a full load receiving the nickname ‘Sputniks’.
Ford UK was late arriving to this market using elements from American and German Ford designs in creating this unique design. The Australia favourite was a 6-cylinder petrol of 4.9 litres running on Super fuel.
Ted told me that when used as overnight freighters, they had upgraded fuel tanks to make a one-way trip without refuelling. This saved time refuelling along with controlling the fuel price and meant drivers didn’t need accounts or money for fuel.
This shows the adaptability of those early transport companies in understanding the challenges of our unique transport environment. Drivers like Ted made the 11-hour trip on a challenging Old Hume Highway. Those early days were a frontier as difficult as any other.
Strings and Banjo in July
July 1 will see a concert in the Gunning Shire Hall by Musica de Camera of ‘Strings and Banjo’ directed by Jonathon McFeat with Liam O’Connell on guitar and banjo. It will feature a work by Jonathon McFeat commissioned to celebrate Musica de Camera’s 30 years of making music along with works by Handel, Mendelssohn, Warlock, Sibelius and Faure.
The concert will commence at 2pm with tickets available at the door (cash only) $25 adult, $20 concession and under 15 free. Enquiries Paul Shelley 0419 255 002.