Rally marks mechanical milestone

FIFTY years of loving, collecting and restoring engines, cars, trucks, tractors and machines of the past.

That’s the milestone Ballarat Engine and Machinery Preservation Society will celebrate on Sunday, 20 October when they host the Best of Ballarat Rally, and open their newly refurbished clubrooms at Ballarat Airport.

Showcasing products of the local area including machines from Ronaldson Bros and Tippett, Villers, and Jelbart, President Peter Bandy said the rally is an opportunity for locals to view and bring along pieces collected over the years.

“In its time, Ballarat produced thousands and thousands of engines, as well as tractors, bicycles, steam engines, and a host of mining and agricultural machinery,” he said.

“Not to forget things like caravans, clothing and household items. We are inviting as many people as possible to bring these things along and display them.”

Plenty of cars, trucks and tractors will show, with oil engines, pumps, a thresher and hay baling demonstration.

Steam Traction Engines will visit on route to Lake Goldsmith. Ballarat built steam rollers will be displayed, alongside an operational 1880s printing press from Maryborough.

A large collection of equipment name plaques from Ballarat, and containers and packaging from food and beverage producers will also be shown, with an operational sock knitting machine and bush furniture making on site.

Eighty men and women are members of BEMPS, which is a social, family orientated club. With a vast knowledge of mechanics, members hold an interest in all historical engineering relating to Ballarat.

The group’s first known event was the Begonia Parade of 1969, and the society was based at the Ballarat Showgrounds for 19 years before moving to the airport at the end of 2018.

The new clubrooms will be opened at 10am by Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King. The launch of 50 Years of BEMPS, a book compiled by Colin Holmes will follow.

Entry is by gold coin donation to cover catering costs. For more information contact Peter Bandy on 0400 154 972.

Find the Ballarat Engine and Machinery Preservation Society at Hut 48, Ballarat Airport, Airport Road, Mitchell Park.