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Best attendance yet at annual Ferguson lecture

Members of the Ferguson Heritage Group at the recent Harry Ferguson Lecture. The group have been raising funds to enable the construction of a memorial to the great man at the Ferguson Homestead, Growell. Pictured left-to-right in the front row are Group Committee members: Sam Law, Jim Dennison, Robert Kerr, George Cromie, Eric Jess (Chairman of the Ferguson Heritage Group) and Roy Poots. Behind them are (left-to-right): David Poots and Andrew Dennison.

THE 12th Harry Ferguson annual lecture, which took place at Lisburn Institute last Friday, was one of the best attended to date with almost 150 enthusiasts travelling to the event from all over the province.

The plans for the Harry Ferguson Memorial at the Ferguson Family Homestead, Growell. The Ferguson Heritage Group have been fundraising for the memorial for the past 6 years and the end is now in sight.The organising committee were delighted with the high level of support for the lecture which they believe helps keep Harry Ferguson's name in the public eye.

The first speaker was Ivan Cowlen from Norfolk, who is employed to restore and manage one of the biggest collections of vintage tractor and machinery in existence.

The collection is owned by Mr. Paul Rackman and includes the famous Moffitt collection of Ferguson only machinery.

Mr. Cowlen's presentation on dvd included a full account commentary delivered as the audience sat fascinated by the massive display of agricultural invention dating as far back as 1903.

Interval time offered supper and a chance to buy dvd/video and other merchandise on Ferguson homestead events in the past including the most recent, which took place in August.

The second speaker, Mr. Jack Woods from the Aviation Research Group, gave a very comprehensive account and slide show of Harry Ferguson in his aviation days nearly 100 years ago.

Mr. Woods and his colleagues take a great interest in Harry Ferguson's work with aircraft and the audience were spellbound by what he was saying.

A spokesperson for the Committee said they wished to thank Institute Vice Principal Eleanor Ross and her staff for all their help and assistance.

"We also want to thank all those who attended and our local traders who sponsor us each year making this event possible," he continued. 'At the end of the evening we produced the Pudsy Bear bucket and raised �300 for Children in Need. "Those who want to be on our mailing list or obtain Ferguson Homestead DVD/VIDEO merchandise should call Bill on 92 692110.

Ulster Star
24/11/2006