Event write-ups

The Moondyne Festival is an annual Toodyay event, held on the first Sunday in May, celebrating the life and times of Western Australia's most notorious bushranger Moondyne Joe, Joseph Bolitho Johns. We first attended this popular event in 2011.

Sunday 5th of May dawned cool and clear and we were already on the road to Toodyay to begin setting up at 6.30am. Participants this year were Robin, Nigel and Di, Bob and Brenda , Kim and Sylvia and Geoff. We'd been allocated a new site at the Eastern end of town, a generous five bays with ample visitor access both sides as well as at either end, the first stall that visitors from Perth would see. 

Our setout was the ideal four bays of displays and demonstrations with the fifth bay dedicated to tool sales.

 Robin had an interesting array from moulding planes, adzes, and a cabinet full of small planes and razor sharp chisels while Bob had an extensive collection of wheelwrights tools. Kim's display of axes and handles was complemented by his demonstration, throughout the day, of shaping an axe handle on his workbench. Geoff had various early braces on display and demonstrated the use of tools for forming tenons on spokes or furniture legs. 

As usual, Nigel's  sales tables of user and collector tools proved very popular and as we've said before these tools are also a display with Nigel and Di more than happy to discuss a tools use or heritage with visitors to their stand.

We had a steady stream of interested visitors all day and were kept busy right up to closing time at 4.00pm.

Set up and ready for the crowds at our new site at the Eastern end of town.

Kims axe display and handle shaping demonstration area.  Robins wide array of various razor sharp tools.

40th Anniversary Celebration 13th April 2024.

Life members: Bob, Guy and Arthur.  Kim presenting Arthur with his Life Membership and Gerry with  his Certificate of Appreciation.

The celebrations were chaired by our president Kim Mitchell. He acknowledged our guests, The Hon Michelle Roberts, City of Swan Mayor Tanya Richardson and Councillors Sarah Howlett and Rashelle Predovnik, Development WA’s Project Transition Officer Jordan Koroveshi and the Executive from Country Womens Association, Midland Historical Society, Machinery Preservation Club and the 1904 Black Smith Artisans. Thanks were extended to Gerry Gradisen who had the vision for the Yesteryear Exhibition and his diligent work to help us present a successful event. Also to Jordan Koroveshi for believing in us and allowing the HTPSWA to show case our tools in the Pattern Shop. Also, importantly thanks to the City of Swan grants team for their assistance in our preparation of both the Yesteryear Exhibition and our 40th Anniversary night. We also appreciated the assistance from businesses and Hon. Michelle Roberts. Our guests presented speeches encouraging our endeavours and hopes. Kim acknowledged and presented a President Award to Rob Fagnani and a Life Membership honour to Arthur Cunniffe. Our invited guests were presented with a memento of the event which was a tool role with engraved spanner/spoons, Members were also issued with a memento of a spanner/spoon. And last, but certainly not least, our grateful thanks to the Midland CWA ladies who provided the delicious and extravagant supper to go with our 40th celebration.

Yesteryear Exhibition. 13th & 14th April 2024. 

This exhibition has been the largest since the pre covid Wood Show events for our club. The vision was the inspiration of Gerry Gradisen and with his dedication and preparation members joined to make it a success. The Pattern Shop at the Historic Midland Railway Workshops precinct, became a glorified display of tools from collections with a time line of tool development set out with a museum quality display. Displays, with informative signs, introduced the public to many tools they had not seen since grandparents time in the shed. Greg had shave horses corralled up in a corner with kids, using a spokeshave, making little sticks from big ones. Kim had an impressive display with a saw mill and working crosscut saw plied by he and Sylvia. The large crowd over the two days wa s generous with their donations and remarks with many coming back on day two for another look. The advertising brochures and road side signs that went out far and wide were distributed by members over the weeks prior to the show.                                           Our guests were impressed with our efforts and the committee will follow up their suggestions and encouragement. We now know we can use the space provided by the Pattern Shop and the number of people now proposing to donate tools to us indicates we will need space. We thank Gerry and his family, Kim for his organisation, the members who put an effort into their displays and to all others who just put in the enormous work on the weekend. Thanks also to the MPC and the CWA who provided lunches and morning and afternoon teas. The photographer, Ron Tan, has given us evidence of the two days which is now archived for future members to see. 

Seniors Have A Go Day. Burswood Park. Perth 15th November 2023.

This year saw Arthur, Bob and Brenda, Nigel and Di,  Willy and Tini and Geoff participating. We were situated in a different area of the park than previous years, a nice spot further South near the river. We still had a good steady stream of visitors throughout the day, including the Premier of WA, Roger Cook, who, I am sure, were he not so busy running this great state, would sign up to be a member of our group.                                                                                                              

As is usual for us we had a good wide range in our exhibits, from Willy's model steam engine, Bob's saw sets and wrenches to Arthurs wooden planes. Of particular interest was an example of  W. Pearson's quick release G clamp patented in the USA on August 11th 1868.

Vintage & Classic Car Club of WA. Nesci Estate Winery.

It was an overcast morning on the 12 th November when Nigel and Kim arrived at the Nesci Winery in the Chittering Valley. We were allocated a space under the trees and backing onto the Machinery Preservation Club, who had a large array of engines set up

Kim displayed spanners and vices, which drew much interest from passers-by, Kim also demonstrated the spoke shave and discussed fitting handles to heads 

Nigel ran the sales department, discussing various tools to interested people

Again we handed out Yester Year phamplets and reminded people of our upcoming Summer Tool Sale

The usual turnout of cars and spectators was dampened by the clouds and gusty winds. Regulars estimated the attendance to be down by two thirds

Our day was cut short by a cold rain bearing front from the north about 1.0 pm. We were quick enough to get the tools under cover and packed away before the main rain arrived. 

Maida Vale All Things Vintage Markets.

Phil had a good range of quality tools for sale.

Held on Maida Vale Reserve on the 5th of November, it was an early start for those attending the Maida Vale Vintage Day. We were on the oval and set up before the general vendors were placed on the grounds.  Phil and his daughter Felicity made their debut, along with Nigel & Diane, David, Kim & Sylvia 

There were a lot of people early in the day, but as the heat rolled in the punters thinned out considerably. There was a lot of interest expressed on our upcoming Tool Sale and the Yester Year Show, as well as the usual enquires about tools and their uses.

We were grateful at the 2.0 pm finish, as it offered us a break from the heat.  Thanks to the following members who dropped by for a chat and show support for the Club. Robin H , Rob F, Mike H, Vic W.

Gidge Show 2023.

Organised by the Gidgegannup Agricultural Society, this was our first foray as a club to this event held at the Gidgegannup Showgrounds on Saturday 28th October. After finding gate 6 we were ushered to a site and told to set up, despite saying several times that we should be by the Rustic Art and Trac Mach displays. No sooner were we set up than to be fronted by the real owners of the site we were on. The officials quickly sorted the problem and we were told to stay. It turned out we were on the opposite side of the grounds to Trac Mach. Nigel took care of sales assisted by Sylvia when she wasn’t distracted by the Angora Goats, while Kim promoted the Yester Year Show and upcoming Tool Sale handing out posters and making hatchet handles. Rupert represented the club with a diverse range of tools neatly presented on boards. There was a continuous stream of people interested in all aspects of our sales, displays and demonstrations 

Stirling Square Nostalgia Day 2023. Guildford.

Sunday 8th October saw ten members turn up for the Guildford Nostalgia Markets at Stirling Square.                             The day saw a continuous stream of people wander past our five gazebos. There was great interest in Bob & Michael’s displays. The axes and the many No4 planes surprised people who were not aware of the variety of makers. Others watched as Kim made handles and fitted them to hammers. He had a range of blanks for different hammers and intrigued the crowd with explanations on why each had a specialist use.                                                                                      Sales were slow on Gerry’s, David’s and Nigel’s tables, however many stopped to view the tools and have a conversation about their use. There were some bargains for Arthur - a jewellers blow lamp, veneer saw and a nice wooden compass plane. Brian had a good grab at the tools including a Stanley compass plane. Even with the slow sales it was an important display showing how tools change over the years and that some tools are used for just one purpose.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Thanks to Gerry, Brian, David, Kim, Michael, Bob & Brenda, Peter, Nigel & Diane for turning up and presenting a great show for the public. 

Tools, Timber and Techniques. Timbecon. Perth. 2023.

Kim, Gerry and Nigel had an early start at the Tools, Timber and Techniques Day at Timbecon on the 14th of October.

This year Timbecon provided us with a clear marquee. It was secure with an entry from the large marquee which had some commercial vendors. Plenty of light but sadly it quickly became extremely hot inside. Even by opening up extra curtains the heat remained

Interested people came through in small numbers throughout the entire day. Both Gerry and Nigel’s displays attracted much interest as they presented the tools which some saw as a great way to use in their workshop activities. Although sales were slow and the heat oppressive, they appreciated the effort made by Timbercon.

Lots of interest was expressed in our November Tool Sale and the Yester Year Show as we handed out countless flyers

Numbers were way down on previous years, but those who took the time to attend picked up a bargain or ideas.

Wundowie Iron Festival 2023

The Wundowie Iron Festival was held on September 16th, in attendance were Bob and Brenda, Kim, Nigel and Geoff.

We arrived at the Wundowie oval at 7.00am to be greeted by intermittent light misty drizzle, but being the stoic group that we are didn't allow this to dampen our enthusiasm, and soon had our four gazebos erected. A few years ago, Robin made some gutters to go with the gazebos and these come in handy on days like this to prevent run off dripping onto our display tables. We had plenty of time to set our tables out, the event doesn't officially start until 10.00am. 

Nigel ran the sales department, Bob had an array of products made in Wundowie, including a pair of wooden soled overshoes worn by the foundry workers to protect their feet from the hot floor. He also had a selection of hand planes, agricultural spanners and a couple of early English wooden braces. Bob's foundry memorabilia always draws interest from the public because so many were involved either directly or their parents worked there.

Kim displayed axes, hammers and a range of small vices, as well as his work bench where he was able to demonstrate handle shaping with the spokeshave. 

Geoff had a display of early American metal braces and the work bench to demonstrate some wheelwright tools.

We had a steady stream of visitors throughout the day and may even have picked up a couple of new members.

The York Motor Show 2023.

Organised by the York branch of the Veteran and Classic Car Club of WA the York Motor Show was on again this year on the 10th of September. Having not been held last year, five of us, Kim and Sylvia, Willy and Tini and I were happy to be back in attendance. 

Arriving at 7.00 we were soon setting out our six tables, with a brief hic-cup when we realised we'd impinged upon the frontage of a shop which was open for the day. The problem was quickly resolved by picking up our tables and moving them a bit further down the footpath.

Willy's two tables comprised displays, including an interesting group of model aeroplane engines, and tool sales. Kim's tables had loads of tools for sale while I had  two display tables of braces and automotive tools. Although we had a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, numbers may have been down on previous years and I think the tool sales were a bit slower. 

The show cars started leaving from about 2.00 and within and hour visitors had trailed off, so we stated packing up and were heading home by 4.00. 

Dowerin Machinery Field Days 2023.

The inaugural Dowerin Machinery Field Days were held in September 1965, this year, at the invitation of Tracmach, four of us, Kim, Nigel, Diane and Geoff hit the scene. We hauled our gear out to Dowerin on Tuesday 29th August to start setting up. Nigel and Kim towed their caravans up while Geoff opted to commute each day. We were allocated a site in front of the Tracmach area where we were able to set up four gazebos and get into laying out our displays. 

Nigel and Di were in charge of tool sales and their department had seven tables loaded with a wide range of collectible and user tools. Kim had, on his work bench, an array of tool handles from broad-axe to tiny tack hammers in varying stages of development which he spent the next two days refining with spoke shaves and planes. To complement the handles, he also had a large spread of appropriate axe and hammer heads. He also had a rotary display of small vices.

Geoff brought along the Smith's portable fence post boring machine replica, as well as brace tools and some chain drills. By 4.30 we were all set up and after throwing the dust covers over everything we called it a day.

Wednesday we were on site by 7.30 and already a few of the early birds were sorting through the sales tables looking for tools carrying machinery and vehicle manufacturers brands. Over the next two days there was a constant stream of visitors checking out the bargains. 

Kim was kept busy shaping handles and generally discussing the use of the various tools.

Smith's post boring machine replica received a lot of interest with varying comments a regarding its actual usefulness and ability to do the job it was intended to do.

The local school had organised groups of children to visit our site,  but we only saw two. Actually we did see a third group but they arrived just as Tracmach started a machinery grand parade so they abandoned us to go and watch that. But, the concept was a good one, a small group of six kids accompanied by their teacher were able to concentrate on what we were showing them.

Three HTPSWA members came and visited us, Robin, Pam and Rob.

Thursday was a repeat of the previous day, though a couple of hours shorter, and by 3.30 we started packing up and on our way home by 5.30. a most enjoyable three days. 

Geoff .

The Moondyne Festival is an annual Toodyay event, held on the first Sunday in May,  which we first attended in 2011. This year, as last year, we were allocated room for five gazebos but a last minute glitch meant we weren't sure whether we'd have visitor access at the ends.  As it turned out we had a stall next to us at one end but plenty of room at the other due to the stall holder no-show.

One of the reasons for that stall holder no-show may have been the weather forecast, which was dreary to say the least, lightly raining when we arrived at 6.30 but had abated by 7.30 and held off for the rest of the day. 

Looking a bit damp first up, but the rain held off for the rest of the day. Bob, Nigel and Kim getting set up.

Those in attendance this year were Willi and Tini, Nigel and Diane, Bob and Brenda, Kim and Sylvia, Robin and Pam and Geoff.  

Bob had an extensive display of coach builders tools and spanners, as well as a small sales department. 

Willy, in addition to his sales table, demonstrated his pedal powered fret saw, which drew a lot of interest throughout the day. 

Nigel had a couple of tables of tools for sale, with axes being the most popular, as did Kim who also had a tool display. In addition, Kim took the time to demonstrate the use of a couple of compass planes, at the workbench where he deftly shaped concave and convex edges to a board.

Robin had a very nice cabinet full of fine woodworking tools.

Geoff had a display table of unusual braces as well as demonstrating the use of brace tools to make a couple of rough mallets.

Visitor numbers seemed to be down on last year, possibly due to the weather but other events on that day may have also contributed.

Willy at the fret saw a Hobbies of London Triumph model.

Brunswick Lights On The Hill 2023

So it was an early start to the day on Saturday May 7th as we set off in the dark to Brunswick Junction to participate. We arrived to be greeted with a freezing cold blustery wind and the constant noise and feverish activity of machinery being off loaded and driven into place. Luckily we were assigned to one of the sheds which offered some shelter from the wind and we set about organising the tables and setting up the displays and sale table. At this stage our expectations were not high for big crowds attending, being deterred by the inclement weather. However the enthusiasm of the tractor drivers and machinery operators was infectious and we soon entered into the spirit of the event and were rewarded by a good crowd of people wandering through our shed, probably initially wanting some respite from the wind, but then genuinely interested and impressed by the presentation put on by Robin H. Bill R. and myself. There was constant activity all day with the ploughing displays performed by both tractors and the gentle giants, the powerful draft horses, the bulldozer and earthmoving display, always a delight to see so many passionate grown men with grins ear to ear as they skilfully manoeuvre their machinery! The tractor sled pull attracted a lot of attention and drew big crowds to watch (we wondered why our shed suddenly emptied!) Plus lots of vintage trucks, cars and stationary engines on display. 

Back in our shed during the course of the day old acquaintances were re united and new ones made, lots of conversations about the contents of Grandad’s shed and interesting stories as the old timers recounted their experiences of using some of the tools during their working life. The Tracmach organisers (Vintage Tractor & Machinery Association of WA) expressed their genuine thanks to the HTPSWA for their efforts to attend and it all added up to make a really enjoyable day, even though the wind continually lifted the tin roof threatening to rip it off! We reluctantly had to leave late afternoon as the music and entertainment continued with the event that gives the festival its name, ploughing the paddocks into the night under headlights, an impressive sight to see.

A big thank you to Richard K. who each year organises for the club to take part in this event. Unfortunately Richard was unable to attend this year but his behind the scenes hard work is much appreciated and contributes to the efficient organisation on the day. We thank you again Richard, your efforts are greatly valued.

Submitted by Nigel B.

ANZAC Memorial Service.

The 25th April is an important day for Australians as we remember those who fought and those who died in the military service of the country. Members attended the morning service, with Mike and Maitland laying a wreath at the Midland Workshop Memorial. Morning tea was provided by the C.W.A. ladies, as the public viewed our display of military tools. 

The monument was originally erected to commemorate the seventy railway workers who enlisted from the workshops and died in service or were killed in action in World War One. The names of more than twenty-five men who died in service or were killed in action in World War Two were added at a later date.                                                                                 The monument is a square section column which at the top has a bronze female figure of Peace standing on a globe of the Earth.

Thanks to Monument Australia for the history.

BROOKTON OLD TIME MOTOR SHOW 2023.

After being on hold for five years the Brookton Old Time Motor Show roared back to life on Saturday the 25th of March and we were there. Participants this year were Nigel and Di (joining us as their last stop on their way home after 8 months on the road) Bob and Brenda, Peter R. and Elaine and Geoff. We all congregated on site at 6am, Peter J. was there to give us a hand and we had our four gazebos erected and the tables set out in no time. The weather forecast was hinting at rain, and we did get a gentle shower as we were setting up, but it had gone by the time the show opened at 9.00. 

As usual, we had a combination of tools for sale and displays concentrating mainly on automotive and agricultural tools in tune with this year's theme "Back To Our Roots". As well as club members who dropped in for a visit, Robin H. and Richard P., we had a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, with a lot of interest in our various displays. 

By the time we were packing up at 4.00pm the weather was quite threatening again but held off until we'd hit the road. 

SENIORS  WEEK,  HAVE  A  GO  DAY.  BURSWOOD.

WEDNESDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2022.

The annual event which we attend is designed to show the facilities, activities and care programs for the ageing. Our aim is to display the tools which capture the imagination of people and allow them to discuss their experience in the trades or simply remember that “Grandad had one of those”.

This year HTPSWA representatives were Steve,  Arthur,  Geoff,  Bob and Brenda and thanks to new member Ken who spent the day with us.

It is an annual show and of course one recognised the same blokes from last year and told them again how the tool was used. There is

a message there in itself - but it is worth repeating. Old people like to talk and the stories are interesting, especially when they explain

they are really just catching a break. One couple explained how the day before, the wheat crop for the year was destroyed by a hail

storm and there was nothing to be done at the farm except come away and have a day to themselves. Talking about things helps.

Our displays were appreciated by the large crowd. Many were happy we were interested in the tools they had in the back shed and that we provided a service which allowed tools to go into collections. I did caution one lady with her father that it would be prudent to wait till he had gone and allow him a little more time in the shed.

STIRLING SQUARE  GUILDFORD  NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL

  SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2022.

The Guildford Market event gave the combined groups of the Power House a chance to show together. The C.W.A., the Midland Historical Association, Machinery Preservation Club  and the HTPSWA showed in nine marquees and were well received by the public.  Our members involved were Kim and Sylvia,  Willy and Tini,  Arthur, Mike, Gerry and Geoff, with tables stacked with sales items, displays and demonstrations.

THE VINTAGE MACHINERY RALLY. WAROONA.

SUNDAY  25TH SEPTEMBER 2022.

There is much to be said for a day in the country—but not much new to report. There was a steady flow of interested people checking the displays of Bill, Rupert, Geoff and Arthur. Kim and Brooke had the sales tables. The car, tractor and the machinery blokes impressed us with their careful restorations.

Thanks to Bill for his organisation and setting up of the hall for us and providing his very wide collection. Rupert had well set out display boards of hammers and tools as well as an intriguing display of “what is It Tools”.

Geoff considered himself lucky to find a Fencemaster post boring tool in good condition. These were driven off the PTO of a tractor or by a small engine.

WUNDOWIE IRON FESTIVAL 2022

SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER

Wundowie is the birthplace of the iron industry in WA and the community celebrate their rich industrial history each year with the Wundowie Iron Festival. The festival began years ago as an opportunity to showcase local artists and has developed in recent times to incorporate the community’s link to the Charcoal, Iron and Steel Mill which was foundered in 1948.

This year the event was held on Saturday the 17th of September, we were represented by Kim, Geoff, Bob and Brenda. Bob has a good collection of historic Wundowie foundry items which always get an enthusiastic reception from the public many of whom either worked at the foundry or have relatives that did. Bob also had some display boards of small tools and a nice rack of various styles of old boring bits.

Geoff had, as usual, a range of braces and brace tools on display as well as his work bench, while Kim had a very interesting selection of compass planes and small axes on display as well as a wide selection of tools for sale. 

The work bench was used throughout the day, Kim using a spokeshave to refine a pitchfork handle and a small axe he's re-handling. From time to time, he would clamp a contoured piece of timber in the vise and demonstrate a compass plane. Geoff got the opportunity to demonstrate the use of the chain-drill and tenon cutter used in making a mallet. 

Geoff's brace display also came in handy when Batman appeared on the scene looking for a tool to use to break up a melee at the ice-cream stall.  

WOODLOES HOMESTEAD HERITAGE DAY.

SUNDAY 11th September 2022

Woodloes Home is one of the few heritage homes open to the public. It was built in 1871 by the Mason-Bird timber company. It is beside the Canning River which was used to transport the tim-ber cut on the Darling scarp.

Great weather greeted us as Steve, Bob, Brenda , Sylvia and Kim set our tools out for the day Many thanks to Ken D, a new member and Mark C. who came down to look and support us.

Bob and Steve had tools set out on boards in categories - for example small tools, isolation tools, hammers and spinners. Also displayed were wooden plough planes, numerous boring tools, compass planes and unusual tools. In other words, all the tools which were used to build the home.

It was a slow trickle of people for most of the day with time for tool discussions between interested lookers.

Mid Winter Tool Sale. 30th July  2022.

The second of our Tool Sales at our new home of the Power House was deemed to be successful on many counts. We had twenty five members, twenty MPC members and the important three CWA members attend. There was an estimated crowd of 700 plus over the five hour period.

Morning tea and lunch of soup and a bun, provided by the CWA ladies,  was appreciated by everyone. Thanks to all who attended and helped with the set up and packing at the end. 

All our sellers reported good sales and the raffle was busy thanks to the keen members hawking tickets. Certainly the MPC’s Steam Traction Engine created a sense of awe.

First Tool Sale At Our New Location.  21st May 2022

The success of the tool sale can be attributed to the building. Our new home was the attraction as many came to buy tools and to see inside a Midland Workshop site in which fathers and grandfathers had worked. The large machines which powered the whole thirty acre site were as impressive as our display and tables of tools.                                                                                                                                                         Our group of enthusiasts were joined by The Midland and Districts Historical Society, The Country Woman’s Association and the Machinery Preservation Club . Each had a display with the ladies also providing morning tea and lunches. It was the first time all groups occupying the wonderful place were able to come together. Thanks are given to Max Leggett and the M.P.C. who have worked hard to ensure the historical site is at the forefront of the local community.                                                                                                                         There was a steady flow of people throughout the day although it became quiet in the afternoon. Our count suggested that about fifty visitors were in every half hour which gives a rough figure of 350 visitors to the Power House. Comments ranged from “I didn’t realise it was so large” to "next time I will bring more money’"  one even wished he had brought his glasses. An elderly gentleman,  when he inspected the lock on the raffle tool box, remarked that he had worked with the locksmith in the making the brass locks for the railways. He added that “the bugger would allow us to make locks but would not teach us how to pick them. We waited till he went to the toilet and then we used his tools to practice.” 

The raffle was a success with Brian and Mike convincing the punters that the tool chest with tools was a bargain. It was for us as they raised $208. Gerry and Nigel had a constant stream of buyers with Bob, Geoff, Les, Kim and Willie selling tools. The club table allowed Vic and Les to sell some good tools. Max and the MPC members showed interested visitors the wonders of the building and the big collection of MPC small engines and equipment. One intriguing piece was a nail making device which from a spool of wire cut and stamped a head on nails. These were used in the machine alongside which automatically aligned nails and punched them into the boards of the box being assembled. The historical Society had a well set out display with photographs of the original workshop workers in action. They also gained a new member. 

The club extends its thanks to members who helped set up with a special mention to Brian and Mike for their salesman approach to the raffle. Also to Luke who was available to help at sellers tables when they had time off.  It was pleasing to see Allen and Peter able to attend. 

The success of this sale encourages us to plan the next.

Moondyne Festival  Toodyay 2022.

You couldn't have asked for a nicer day when five of us, Bob, Kim, Gerry, Les and I accompanied by Brenda, Sylvia and Elaine attended the annual Moondyne Festival at Toodyay on Sunday the 1st of May. 

But it could have been less pleasant, at 6am I got a call from Gerry, his car had a problem and he was waiting for the RAC to attend, and hopefully wouldn't be too late getting there. 

Elaine and I got to Toodyay by 6.30 and off loaded the gazebo's and tables at our allotted spot. The same area as previously but this year we'd asked for, and received, an extra bay, taking us up to fifteen lineal meters of frontage plus visitor access at both ends. By 7am, when the authorities closed the road to passing traffic, the area was a hive of activity with food vans and stalls getting set up. 

We soon had the gazebo's erected and anchored down, the tables set out and tools started getting loaded onto them. Gerry's car problem had been resolved and he arrived in plenty of time to start setting out his three tables of sale tools. 

Through an oversight in planning on my behalf, Bob ended up setting-up on the rear, footpath side, of our area, which resulted in less foot traffic and having the sun blazing in on his display of ancient wooden tools. 

I was the only member with no tools for sale, and had my usual boring tools on display. As well as a small sales dep't, Les had a selection of lead working tools on display. Kim had a carousel showing various small vices and a hand axe display, plus a sales table. 

With Moondyne Joe causing mayhem in the main street with the local constabulary running up and down interspaced with sheep roaming between us with the faithful sheep dog keeping them under control, we even had the Judge call on us to make sure we behaved, and all this to the background of a guitarist plying his trade.

We seemed to have a good crowd of visitors throughout the day, though numbers appeared to diminish from about 2.30pm, but we stuck to our site, as requested by the organisers, until 4.00 when we could start packing up. In all a great day was had by all.

Feedback from the Moondyne Organising Committee suggests this was the biggest number of visitors to attend in the festivals thirty seven year history.

Pingelly- Country Collective. 

April 2nd 2022. Pingelly is a two hour drive from Perth with a rich cultural history of farming and community spirit. The Collective Market event was the first in a Covid led revival for the town. Although small in numbers it showed the history and diversity with a large wood chopping event, sheep dog trials, vintage vehicles, historic machinery, community services and us, six members and partners.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It was certainly a slow selling day but being on the grassed oval of the new Community Sports Centre with our four marquees it was a pleasant day for chatting to visitors.The fierce competition of the log chop throughout the day had a crowd enthralled. The standing chop through a 18 inch log had a young axeman compete with the older experienced competitors Each axeman began as the caller counted seconds from one up-ward. The Championship Chop had the first swing of the axe at four with the last at thirty six. The winner although the last to start won by six seconds.                                                                                                                                                                              The craft stalls were of interest and the Netball Club hamburgers served from the new centre also kept our attention. However the skill of the dogs as they controlled the sheep through what seemed complex configurations was fascinating. The idea of a dog getting a mob to obey instructions with just a simple whistle had a former teacher wish he had one in every classroom.

It was a long day but the fresh air and an interested crowd made it a very relaxing event.

ANZAC Day 2022.

Having been cancelled for the last two years, due to Covid, Monday 25th April, saw the revival of the ANZAC Day service at the Midland Workshops  War Memorial. This year's event was organised by the four members of the Power House Alliance Group, namely  The Machinery Preservation Club (MPC) the Country Womens Association (CWA) The Midland Historical Society and the HTPSWA.  The service began at 8.30 with sixty to eighty attendees, with our President, Kim and Treasurer Nigel, laying a wreath on behalf of the HTPSWA at the base of the memorial. After the ceremony morning tea was provided by the CWA.

Wundowie Iron Festival 2021

WWundowie is the birthplace of the iron industry in WA and the  community celebrate their rich industrial history each year with the Wundowie Iron Festival. The festival began years ago as an opportunity to showcase local artists and has developed in recent times to incorporate the community’s link to the Charcoal, Iron and Steel Mill which was foundered in 1948.                                                                                                                                                                              After last years cancellation we were glad to be back here on the 18th of September this year. Geoff, Arthur, Bob, Nigel and ever helpful/patient partners had our gazebos up and displays set out in plenty of time to have a look at other displays before the crowds arrived.

Bob had a display of mostly Wundowie foundry products, Arthur, various planes and Geoff a display of mining augers. Nigel had a couple of tables of tools for sale which, as usual, was very popular.

Considering how wet our winter and spring had been we were blessed with a dry day, and had plenty of visitors.           It was an interesting day, with displays by the fire brigade, police and St John ambulance nearby. The Machinery Preservation Club had an array of stationary engines running in their compound.  Axemen  showed their skill with the log chops and there were fairground rides for the kids and the usual craft stalls.

 undowiewas the birthplace of WA’s iron ore industry and this unique event celebrates the heritage of the area. On Saturdaomes to life with iron sculptures, paintings and photography, as well as kids activities, stalls and much mor

Bob discusses a Wundowie  foundry  product.     Nigel and MPC members talking tools.                 Checking out the mining augers.

                                                                         York Motor Show, Sunday 19th September 2021

Nigel and Dianne, Geoff and Elaine, Kim and Sylvia arrived just before 7.00 am to a rather cold and empty York but it didn’t take long for the street to start filling up with veteran and vintage cars of all makes and models. This annual event, organised by the York branch of the Veteran Car Club of WA (Inc) is always popular and York being about 100km from Perth is easily accessible.  This year we had been moved slightly further north in front of the electrical retailer, but still under the shelter of the shop-front verandah along the main street which was closed to public traffic for the day. There was plenty of space and it didn’t take long before our displays and sales were set up. Geoff as usual had a wide variety of braces and attachment on display while demonstrating their applications to a continuous stream of interested people. Kim had a number of different hatchets and small vices on display. Nigel handled the sales. By 9.00 am it was a perfect day, sunshine and no wind.

The crowd was down on last year but not the enthusiasm of lookers questions and buyers. During lulls we were entertained by a local busker opposite who performed a never ending song list. The cars on display were as always of a high quality. A great day was had by all who attended.

Waroona Vintage Machinery Rally 2021. Sun 26th Sept

Organised by the Lions Club of Waroona and supported by The Machinery Preservation Club of WA  and the Shire of Waroona.                                                                                                                                  As usual, Bill arranges everything for us with a nice large shed and plenty of trestles. As is also usual Nigel and Di, Bob and Brenda towed their caravans down from Perth the day before and set up near the oval. This enabled them to get their tables set up on Saturday afternoon. Geoff and Arthur travelled down in the morning to be there by 7.00 when Bill unlocked the shed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Nigel was well set up for sales, Geoff had a display of chain-drills and Arthur specialist planes.   Bob showed agricultural wrenches while Rupert and Bill had wide ranging  exhibits of tools and household goods. Several members came as visitors to bolster the crowd. The car blokes and the historic machinery lads all needed tools and were happy to admire our displays as we tried to show the visitors how things worked. It tried to rain  late in the day just as things were winding up and so, at three o'clock, we started packing up and were gone by  four.

Chain drills and specialist planes.                           Nigel ran the sales tables                                                 Bills excellent, wide ranging display.