AN EVENT that started as just a modest fundraising idea will soon mark the end of its second decade – Quirindi Rural Heritage Village’s vintage machinery rally.
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The 20th annual rally and swap meet will be held on May 5 and 6, featuring a swap meet, street procession, shearing, woodwork, miniature trains and much more.
The event will kick off on the Friday with the tractor trek, for which about 30 machines are expected to arrive to take the 100km-plus journey.
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“What started out as an initial fundraiser for the idea of commencing a heritage village has grown from its first beginnings at the Quirindi racecourse to now be the premier vintage machinery rally west of the Great Divide,” rally secretary Beryl Mannion said.
The rally now takes place at the heritage village site near Quirindi on Gunnedah Road.
The program includes a 140-stall swap meet, and a procession of vintage cars and tractors from Quirindi to the village.
There will be chainsaw demonstrations, a state title woodchop, miniature trains, stationary engines and model trains.
Blacksmiths will be hammering away, woodworkers will be turning out their goods, sheep will be shorn, wool will be spun and an antique loom will be in operation.
Morning tea, sandwiches and a barbecue will be available.
Mrs Mannion said the village committee greatly appreciated the help of local groups, students and other volunteers who’d offered their time for the weekend.
“The village is now estimated to be valued at more than $1 million, and the annual rally is its biggest fundraiser,” she said.
“Along with the museum and coffee shop, which operates on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, they keep the village afloat so it can be maintained and enlarged.”
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
