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The restarted Orford Vintage Rally was a resounding success over the weekend, according to organizer and Southern Vintage Engine and Tractor Pull Association President David Bartlett. The event had to be staged in just six weeks, with Mr Bartlett also suffering a freak accident just two weeks old which left him in a Melbourne hospital with a broken collarbone, shoulder blade and six cracked ribs. “I’m in a bit of pain but not too bad,” he said, noting that the success of the event helped alleviate pain in his shoulder and chest. “It was a real hit. We had over 550 people through the doors, plus there were about 250 people exhibiting, so it was a great atmosphere,” he said. The event featured approximately 100 stationary engines, 62 chainsaws, and 10-15 displays of smaller items like keys, magnetos, exhausts, and other vintage mechanical items. “Then there were some restored milk separators, pumps and 32-volt lighting fixtures,” Bartlett said. Thirty-seven tractors participated in the tractor pull, struggling to pull a weighted sled along a course. “There were also half a dozen vintage trucks and about 50 vintage cars, so it was a huge choice,” he said. One of the highlights of the event was blade shearing, with a handful of shearers from the Southwest coming to try their hand at the bygone art of shearing with a pair of oversized scissors. Mr Bartlett said exhibitors had always liked the bush setting, which provided welcome shade, but the weather had also been kind to them. “We were blown away by the weekend and the generosity of everyone involved,” he said. “With COVID it was a gamble whether to do it or not, but it was worth it.” IN OTHER NEWS: Now just a click away with our new app: Digital subscribers now have the ability to access news faster, at their fingertips with The Standard: Our journalists work hard to deliver local and update to the community. Here’s how you can access our trusted content:
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The restarted Orford Vintage Rally was a resounding success over the weekend, according to organizer and Southern Vintage Engine and Tractor Pull Association President David Bartlett.
The event had to be staged in just six weeks, with Mr Bartlett also suffering a freak accident just two weeks old which left him in a Melbourne hospital with a broken collarbone, shoulder blade and six cracked ribs.
“I’m in a bit of pain but not too bad,” he said, noting that the success of the event helped alleviate pain in his shoulder and chest.
Mysterious Machine: Dale Reid came from Stawell with this machine. He’s not sure what he’s doing, but thinks it’s one of only two that exist. Photo: Chris Doheny.
“It was a real hit. We had over 550 people through the doors, plus there were about 250 people exhibiting, so it was a great atmosphere,” he said.
The event featured approximately 100 stationary engines, 62 chainsaws, and 10-15 displays of smaller items like keys, magnetos, exhausts, and other vintage mechanical items.
“Then there were some restored milk separators, pumps and 32-volt lighting fixtures,” Bartlett said.
Thirty-seven tractors participated in the tractor pull, struggling to pull a weighted sled along a course.
Cutting Edge: Gary Giffen does a delicious demonstration of old-school shearing, essentially using a pair of oversized scissors. Photo: Chris Doheny.
“There were also half a dozen vintage trucks and about 50 vintage cars, so it was a huge choice,” he said.
One of the highlights of the event was blade shearing, with a handful of shearers from the Southwest coming to try their hand at the bygone art of shearing with a pair of oversized scissors.
Mr Bartlett said exhibitors had always liked the bush setting, which provided welcome shade, but the weather had also been kind to them.
“We were blown away by the weekend and the generosity of everyone involved,” he said.
“With COVID it was a gamble whether to do it or not, but it was worth it.”
Well-oiled machine: Warrnambool man Tony Serra proudly shows off his M-model International 3HP engine at the Orford Vintage Rally on Sunday. Photo: Chris Doheny
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