Threshing machine

[plasticpigeon]

Would anyone be interested in a threshing machine from around 1900? It belongs to my boss and has been on his family farm since it was new! He says he will burn it if no one wants it. Pictures to follow!!!!

 

[Flyfisher]

Where is it?

I'm not interested but I'm a member of a tractor forum (and you thought PPUK was geeky enough!) that might have someone interested.

 

[plasticpigeon]

It is in Woburn near Milton Keynes. Please do pass the word around to people who may be interested. It would be a shame for it to be destroyed.

 

[Flyfisher]

I've posted the photo and details and will let you know if there's any interest.

 

[Flyfisher]

One reply so far:

Have you Contacted Beamish Museum? They are interested in donations like this and will even send a lorry. I have a contact there I'll ask. do you know if it is working order? Or if not what is needed to get it working?


Unfortunately, I can't just point you to the forum I'm using as it's not a public forum (and I'm guessing you're not interested in joining a tractor club!). If we get a contact at the Beamish museum then perhaps your boss can deal with them directly, especially as he has personal knowledge of its history.

 

[plasticpigeon]

Thanks flyfisher that would be very useful.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Blimey I know that farm-----just up the road from where we used to live. What a lovely bit of machinery really should not be destroyed

I really think somebody would pay good money for it--how about Ebay , also there must be an Agricultural History department in the Central Bedfordshire Archives.

 

[Feltwell]

Ironbridge Gorge museums may be interested PP, if you send them an email with details:-

contactus@ironbridge.org.uk

Or the Acton Scott working farm museum:-

rupert.acton@actonscott.com

Be a shame to see that destroyed. There were always threshing demonstrations at Weeting Steam Engine rally when I were a nipper - Flyfisher, that can't be too far from you, do you go?

 

[plasticpigeon]

Great minds think alike. I emailed Ironbridge this evening! I shall try the working farm museum, Many thanks.

 

[wobs]

We were at Withernsea traction engine rally on Sunday. One from that scene may be interested.

Seems like a good excuse for you for a day out at a major traction engine rally, or antique agricultural event.

Or ebay.

 

[Roger H]

Steampunk recreational vehicle?

 

[plasticpigeon]

I could see it being repurposed on George Clarke's amazing spaces, but I hope someone wityh an interest in the machine as it is will have it.

 

[Feltwell]

Absolutely - especially as it looks complete and in not unreasonable condition, considering it's almost certainly not been ran in many years - Combine harvesters having taken over completely from when, 1960's at the very latest? I wonder if it was kept in a barn - it looks too good to have been stood out in the open for the last 50-odd years with no attention.

You've discovered a first anyway, a farmer getting rid of something, they're the biggest hoarders ever normally! No farmyard seems to be complete without the odd decaying vehicle at least!

 

[Flyfisher]

There were always threshing demonstrations at Weeting Steam Engine rally when I were a nipper - Flyfisher, that can't be too far from you, do you go?

Yes, the Weeting Steam Rally is still going strong - it's their 50th anniversary in 2018. I usually go along but missed it this year (a couple of weeks ago). They still have the threshing demonstration you mentioned, probably with the same machinery you remember! My particular favourite is the steam ploughing demo using two traction engines on opposite sides of a field hauling a ride-on plough back and forth between them using winches mounted under the traction engines.

 

[Feltwell]

Yes, the Weeting Steam Rally is still going strong - it's their 50th anniversary in 2018.

Ye Gods - now I feel old (*). I think my parents have a picture of me toddling around at what must have been only their 5th or 6th rally.

Yes, I remember the ploughing demos well - couple of big Fowler engines winching the plough across the top field.

(*) C'mon Penners - where's the "YOU feel old?" comment then? :wink:

 

[CliffordPope]

I remember watching one of those in action in about 1960, on a relative's farm in Lincolnshire.
It wasn't a demonstration, it was really in use, but I sensed even then as a child that this was the last time, and a memory to be savoured.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

(*) C'mon Penners - where's the "YOU feel old?" comment then?

He is very quiet at the moment---

 

[Feltwell]

Maybe we can lure him out.......

Penners - Some think that Jesus prefers KitKat Chunky to the 4-finger ones, here's their proof:-