Hurst Farm Charity New Years Winter Blues Buster Gas Up 4th Jan

Sometimes everything comes together just right, and so it was for our New Years Gas Up at Hurst Farm. The day before saw a record crowd of helpers turn out to prepare the barn and Museum and soon everything was ready well before twilight. Thanks everyone.

The day itself dawned dry, which was something! Arrival at Hurst Farm saw fevered activity with engines being offloaded and the barn already looking quite full. Colin Williams had returned the newly repaired fuel pipe for the Hornsby, which had been the only ‘fly in the ointment’ the previous day and was busily preparing the engine to run. We dragged out the portable engines and soon it was time to start the bigger ones. The Hornsby performed impeccably with the renewed fuel in its tank and the Robey started easily and thumped away merrily for most of the day. The Tangye proved a bit challenging but eventually crept into life, albeit briefly until the torch holder got bored! We need a permanent stand made for both this and the Hornsby. Any volunteers?

A nice touch was the return of one of Paul Cooks engines, his Lister DK. Now fully restored and in the ownership of Phill Sheppard, it proved a great talking point running just outside the museums door. It was great to see so many faces there, some enjoying a social visit. When the raffle was drawn at 2pm, it seemed the barn was full to bursting, such was the turnout! I am pleased to report a good sum of £268.38 was made for the Royal Marsden Hospital. Thanks to everyone that supported this cause. Jackie and her team of helpers did us proud once again on the food and drink side and thanks of course to her and the Cook family for allowing us to hold the event there.