General News
23 May, 2024
Garford Restored
The restoration of a 1924 Garford fire engine gifted to the people of Nyngan has been a mission for local historian Keith White, and no-one was more delighted to see the engine drive into the Nyngan Showground last week than the man himself.
Mr White and his family were present at the opening of the Nyngan Show where Bogan Shire mayor Glen Neill recognised his efforts, along with those of Brian Hodge, Toby Neill and Rob Avard.
The Marr family donated the engine, which had been in “Illabunda” since the late Jim Marr purchased it from the Nyngan Fire Brigade in 1963 following its decommissioning.
Unfortunately, the cost to restore the engine was substantial – let alone the expertise required to do the job – so for many years the project had reached an impasse.
Mr White continued to lobby the Bogan Shire Council, which considered various options but found them to be too expensive to justify using ratepayer funds.
Eventually, Council was successful in obtaining a NSW Government grant to restore the Old Fire Station in Nyngan to be a museum - which allowed for some funds to be spent on the Garford as the feature exhibit.
Bogan Shire Mayor Glen Neill said obtaining the funding was a key step - but the real breakthrough was an introduction to a group of retired firefighters in Tamworth who specialised in the restoration of old engines.
“The youngest one in this group is 72. The oldest is 92. They get together seven days a week at a shed at Tamworth Showground, and this is what they do,” Clr Neill said as he unveiled the fully restored Garford at the Nyngan Show.
“As you can see, it's just a magnificent job.”
Mr White is now a resident at Nyngan Multipurpose Health Service but was brought to the Show opening by his extended family.
“Believe me, when you talk to Keith White he can be very persistent. It was his persistence that got the Garford to where it is now. We are all in love with this engine, but no-one more so than Keith.”
Mr White said he was delighted to see the renovated engine as she drove into the showground, leading the grand parade.
He thanked the Bogan Shire Council and the Tamworth Classic Fire Engine Club for completing the work.
Clr Neill said the members of the Tamworth Classic Fire Engine Club would be invited to Nyngan in the near future for the official opening of the Fire Station Museum in Cobar Street, where the Garford will be on permanent display.