CROWDS BRAVE THE RAIN FOR FERGUSON
EVEN the torrential rain couldn't stop Harry Ferguson enthusiasts ploughing ahead with Saturday's opening of a memorial garden beside the great man's Growell homestead.
Visitors from as far afield as Sweden, Scotland and Cork joined local enthusiasts at the official ceremony to watch Harry Ferguson's granddaughter Mrs. Sally Fleming, who had flown in from London, unveil a life-size bronze sculpture of her famous forebear.
All had been looking forward to the memorial garden celebration in remembrance of the inventions of a local hero who transformed how work on the farm was carried out.
The launch was funded by Lisburn City Council, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (European Union), the Midlands group and the Harry Ferguson Celebration Committee.
The memorial garden, with the statue as its centrepiece, includes landscaping (due for completion in September) as well information boards, seating and off-street car parking.
Thousands braved the flood waters to take part in the associated annual Harry Ferguson Celebration Day, with the tractor exhibition showcasing some 450 tractors. Lisburn City Council's Economic Development Committee chairman Councillor Allan Ewart said, "Lisburn City Council is pleased to be associated with the unfurling of this bronze sculpture.
"Artist John Sherlock has done a magnificent job and to him we are grateful. Special mention should also go to the Ferguson Committee without whose drive and ambition this event would not be taking place.
"DARD has also contributed significantly as has many smaller donations and support that are too many to name.'
The Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden will open to the general public from dawn to dusk, and host events from time to time.
It is hoped that further work will continue the Harry Ferguson legacy including a self-guided driving trail, information leaflets and website.
The public is also reminded that 2009 marks the 100th anniversary of powered flight in Ireland, when Harry Ferguson first flew his monoplane over a distance of some 130 yards at Hillsborough Park.
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Weather for Dromore
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
