The 11th biennial Bombala Historic Engine and Machinery Society (BHEMS) rally has been hailed a success by organisers.
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“There was a terrific roll up of people on Saturday, it was a little quieter on Sunday, but still lots of activity,” Barry Crouch, BHEMS president said.
Among the Society’s machinery and engine on display was the 1918 Crossley oil engine that the society acquired in 2016.
BEHMS has been working on the restoration of the old Crossley engine that used to generate the electricity for the township of Bombala.
“The Crossley was one of the highlights at the rally, it created a lot of interest with a crowd hanging around looking at it,” Mr Crouch said.
“It is now housed in the new shed but it will be next year before we do anything on it.
“It’s going to be a great tourist attraction once its up and running,” he said.
There was as usual something for the whole family at the show with face painting, a jumping castle and the Rocker Cover Racers from Bairnsdale.
This year for the first time ever, the BHEMS held a Buy, Swap and Sell site at the rally.
“We’ve never held a Buy, Swap and Sell at the rally before, so it was a little quiet, but once people realise it’s going to be a regular at the rally, it will eventually take off,” Mr Crouch said.
“We also had Bradly Matthews from Delegate with his bullock team hooked up to a big log, with the bullocks dragging the log around – it was a first for the engine club,” he said.
The traditional Saturday night dinner in the engine shed was well attended.
“We had about 120 people turn up for dinner on Saturday night.
“Bob Walder brought along a the Weber’s to cook the meat in and the ladies made up the salads.
“We set out the tables and chairs inside the shed and had a lovely buffet with the Bombala Bike Club volunteering to help us out on the night,” Mr Crouch said.
“We also ran some lucky door prizes.”