From January 2008, affiliate Clubs, and their members, will be able to access the current National Historical Machinery Association Inc. Newsletter on-line. 

 

Clubs, and their members will also be able to access previous editions as these will be archived on the site as well.  This will also commence in January 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008 is well and truly here.

I would like to wish everyone a happy New Year.  One month is already gone.  Large parts of Australia have had some rain – a better Christmas/New Year present would be hard to find!

On the historic machinery front, clubs that have rallies are well and truly working towards making them a success.

I believe the Vintage movement plays a very important part in Australia’s culture, both restoring and preserving Australia’s farming history and giving pleasure to the people restoring and those who go to rallies just to admire the finished work.

Safety is still a big factor in our movement, we all must be safety conscious.  With this in mind the NHMA has guidelines for restorers and exhibitors to work to these guidelines, a means for our association to keep insurances affordable.  I would ask all members to keep these safety guidelines in mind.

The NHMA is I believe a very useful Association that presents the views of all restorers, there will always be differences of opinion, but mostly common sense prevails.

The National Tractor Trek 2008 is coming up very quickly, as is the next National Rally in 2009.

The AGM of the NHMA will be held at Lake Goldsmith in conjunction with the Rudolph Diesel 150^th Celebration Rally.  More information on the AGM in this Newsletter.

The Registrations for Delegates is still an issue but I think the cut off time before the meeting is reasonable.  Club secretaries need to also keep the information flowing to make sure the appointed delegates are registered on time.

Once again happy restoring in 2008.

 

 

 

Firstly, may I offer an apology to the Committee and the Association in general, for my recent lack of communication with everyone.  Since Biloela I haven’t been feeling on top of the world, a condition that resulted in ultrasounds, blood tests etc which revealed that I had a deep vein thrombosis.  The treatment left me very housebound and continually tired.  Thankfully I am now on the mend and feeling like doing things again; the housework, the garden, a bit of restoring: generally feeling much better and with little pain.  It is good to be this well again, although still limited work wise and with exercise, I can do a bit on the computer each day, although at this stage I will be restricted somewhat with long distance travel.

There was little to report on the teleconference meeting held on the 14^th of January.  However I will mention two of the main points. 

• Constitution:

The Committee of Management is still working on the NHMA Constitution.  Cindy Cooper is in charge of this task, with assistance being offered and accepted from Jo Lloyd of the Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club.  It is hoped to have a draft on the table for the next Committee meeting in March.

•  Website:

It is with pleasure the Committee announce the completion of the NHMA Website.  Please read the letter sent to your club recently by Cindy Cooper, it has all the information necessary to access this attractive site.   Member clubs now need to play their part by sending in material such as coming events, rally reports etc, a for sale and wanted page, NHMA Safety Guidelines and much more.  Make sure your club committee and members know of this free service.

 Other Items of Interest:

 Tractor & Vehicle Insurance and Operation at Rallies etc.

I would take this opportunity to re-state the recently adopted guideline that relates to junior operators of vintage tractors/vehicles and offer my views on unfenced displays.

 3.17        JUNIOR OPERATORS

Junior operators enjoy privileges within the compound, provided they are supervised by a responsible adult member.  Further, junior members may drive a tractor in a ‘grand parade’ ONLY; (under adult supervision) providing the parade area is securely fenced from the public.  All junior members should acknowledge that they are under the scrutiny of the public, adult members, safety officers and the club committee at all times, and should accept any direction given to them.

Please be aware that this privilege applies to juniors driving tractors in a grand parade ONLY, in an area securely fenced from the public.  This does NOT include driving the tractor in or from any unfenced area to the grand parade area, such areas may be deemed to 'public areas' and as such State Laws may require the tractor to be registered or on permit and the driver to hold a licence to drive the tractor on a public road.

Your club is also advised that any unfenced compound can be deemed to be a 'public area' and owners of tractors, vehicles etc should consider taking out full comprehensive insurance and registration/permit for their vehicles.  You will note that the 'public liability' covered by the NHMA insurance arrangements refer only to displays [of any kind] in fenced compounds.

Currently our insurance broker accepts that some rally exhibits of a ‘static nature’ are unfenced, and Austnet have mentioned this issue to some Committee members at the past two Rallies where the AGM has been held.  It is time for member clubs to be working toward reducing the level of risk that exists at present.  Most member clubs would be aware of the consequences, should a serious incident occur.  It is now up to clubs that have unfenced displays at their rallies to take some positive action to help overcome any future incidents involving unregistered vehicles in what could be deemed to be ‘public places’.   If your club has any answers to this issue please contact your State Representatives.

NHMA Heritage Steam Codes of Practice Sub-Committee

The sub-committee consists of:  Chairman:  Bob Buttrims; Secretary:   Ron Jackson [New England]  Treasurer: Kevin Lord [Heyfield Bush Rail] and  Tech. Director: Gary Barker  [Bombala Mach Soc].

Much has already been achieved by this dedicated group to have workable codes of practice for those working in Heritage Steam operation.  For regular updates, check TOMM or visit the NHMA website.

NHMA Executive & Committee Elections at the NHMA AGM

Included with this Newsletter is information for all clubs and the Committee of Management regarding NHMA elections.  There are a number of vacant positions on the Executive and Committee that need to be elected or re-elected.  Term of Office is two years.

Positions are open to any nominated member of an affiliated club and are appointed by the AGM.

 The Executive Positions include:

• President; Elected in 2006, Jim has completed a 2 year term.

• Vice-President; Elected in 2006, Phillip has completed a 2 year term.

• Secretary; Elected 2007, but wishes to retire this year.

• Treasurer; Elected 2006, Ross has completed a 2 year term.

 Committee of Management Positions includes:

• NSW State Rep. Kevin Elphick, completed a 2 year term, plus one other to be elected.

• QLD State Rep. Cindy Cooper, completed a 2 year term, plus one other to be elected.

• VIC. State Rep. Alan Shepherd, and Ross Lloyd have both completed a 2 year term.

• TAS. State Rep.  Two vacant positions that can be filled.

• S.A. State Rep.   All three elected last year [2007].

• W.A State Rep    All three elected last year  [2007].

At present it appears that Representatives are in clusters, making it somewhat difficult for them to communicate with clubs more distant in the state, but this is up to member clubs to sort out.  The Association may be more effective with communications if representatives were spread around the state, however this is only a thought.

Coming Events:

• Ballan Vintage Machinery Rally Sunday 17^th Feb 2008.  Ballan Racecourse.  Contact Brian Barry  03 5368 2255.

• Kyabram Vintage Engine & Machinery Restoration Group Rally; 15^th & 16^th March 2008.  Contact Greg Ross 03 5859 4231.

• Bookaar Family Fun Day  16^th March 2008.  Swap meet on Sat. 15^th March.  Contact Tom Wilson 03 5593 1109.

• Heyfield & Dist. Vintage Rally 17^th & 18^th March 2008.  Contact Barb. Cook [03 5148 0531]or Jake Coleman  [03 5148 2989].

• Rudolph Diesel 150^th Celebration Rally at Lake Goldsmith. 21^st to 24^th March 2008 Information available from www.rudolphdieselrally.org.au  Contact Trevor on 04 0753 9041.  Lake Goldsmith is also the venue for the next NHMA Committee meeting and the NHMA AGM on Saturday 22^nd March.

• Riverina Vintage Machinery Club Rally, Narrandera  9^th & 10^th August 2008.  Contact Alistair Campbell on 02 6959 1508.

• NHMA National Tractor Trek at Hamilton Victoria.  11^th & 12^th October 2008  The Tractor Trek Committee is expecting between 150 and 300 tractors for the event.  Planning is well in advance and Dennis Wheelhouse will be at the NHMA AGM at Lake Goldsmith.  Contact the Hamilton Club for further information.

• Bombala Engine Rally 8^th & 9^th Nov 2008.  Contact Merv Peadon  02 6458 3142.

• The 12^th NHMA National Rally at Murray Bridge, South Australia, 3^rd to the 5^th April 2009.  More information available from Alan Wheaton telephone 08 8382 9413.

For other coming events please check the NHMA website www.nhma.com.au or The Old Machinery Magazine.

THE NHMA NATIONAL AT BILOELA 2007 A FEW MEMORIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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© 2007 National Historical Machinery Association Inc. - Australia.