2023

 

100 YEARS of MANUFACTURING of the HOWARD BRAND 1923-2023 at BILOELA QLD.
The Howard Register did Cliff Howard proud when staging 'Take 2' of the "Gathering of Howards", celebrating 100 Years of Manufacturing at Biloela QLD. Why 'Take 2" ? Because it has taken 5 years plus to stage the event, with 2 floods in that time and an accident, putting paid to staging the event.

Robert and Anne Moore, Co-Ordinators of the Howard Register and member Adrian Whitfield, and Cindy Cooper of the Callide Dawson Valley Heritage Association, put the rally together with Sponsors - Hare & Forbes Machinery Group, Garden Tractor Restorations (VIC), Little Diggers Excavations (NSW) and RJM Security (NSW) at the Queensland Heritage Park over the 15th/16th July weekend.

Neville and Bev Hunter with caravan in tow, drove over from South Australia to volunteer their time, as did Peter Robinson (Sponsor) from Kangaroo Flat in Victoria. John Gray travelled from Crookwell NSW, Matt Vella (Sponsor) towed his 3-wheeled Rotary Hoe from Dean Park in Sydney. Robert & Anne came from Wellington NSW. Others came from all over Queensland and first timer with the Register, Adrian Kahler and Brother were amazed at the depth of machinery on show.

Overall, including machines exhibiting with their Clubs, close to 90 or more exhibits were on show, a large number of these were from Biloela local Adrian Whitfield and family, making this a more remarkable event.

The Howard Register was given an award, not only for the numbers of one make machines on display, but also for the efforts put in for making the display a success.

The HOWARD REGISTER would like to thank all those involved with the Biloela Rally, especially those volunteers doing traffic, catering and everything else that we take for granted. Congratulations to one and all. Anybody from the rally who would like a memory of the event can contact Robert or Anne on (02) 6845-3279, as there are still some "Old Wheels in Motion 2023" Certificates available.

PAT YOURSELVES ON THE BACK.

(See photos on the Rally Photo Gallery - page 11 + 12).

 

100 Years Production of HOWARD - Clarendon 2023.

Matthew Vella - take a bow. To have 187 machines in our display was remarkable. Another 36 displayed with their Clubs.
To see Julian Calleja's 4WD Shunter 226, just restored, was awesome. Rob Temple had his Platypus crawler, Tim Geyer his Morris powered D16 Tractor, Matt had his 3-wheeled Morris powered Rotary Hoe and others. I had my Tipper Hauler and Ingersoll Rand Howard Le Roi Compressor, Adrian Whitfield his Hauler Forklift, with Lou Grima showing close to 40 restored GEMS. There was a Howard for everyone.

The Register provided "100 Year Lapel Badges" and information as did PFG N.Z. parent company of Australia Australia. They gave out exhibitor polo shirts, 100 Year lapel badge and transfers, plus other items for sale.

We all agreed you will more than likely never see such rare grouped machinery again. It was just fabulous. They came from South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and from all over New South Wales.

This was truly the greatest Howard event ever staged and all who participated give yourselves a pat on the back.

(See photos on the Rally Photo Gallery - page 13 + 14).

 

100 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING

 

 

I have been putting the effort in to making the Howard Register what it is today since formation in 2005 and would not have made such a force in the Historic movement, if it was not for the close support (which was evident at Clarendon 2023) of enthusiasts throughout Australia.

Unfortunately, every now and then, an individual comes along who feels they are bigger and better than everyone else and will not listen to reason.

Such is the case of former member Rodney Thomas of Albany, Western Australia, who decided on September 15th to go over the top and annoy an enthusiast to the point where legal action was threatened.

Not one week earlier I had conservation with Rodney, as his attitude had made the decision to once again become an annoyance. I warned him he may face legal action for what he was about to do. I spoke to a few close to me and all said I should have let it be.

For his actions of the 15th September, during the Clarendon Classic Rally, Rodney has been served a written notice, regarding his future towards Register members. His membership has been cancelled and funds returned and in the written notice, special conditions of concern towards Howard enthusiasts was noted. He is not a specialist in any field or ex-employee of Howard.

To one and all who have had to put up with his dogmatic attitude, I personally apologise. If you are hassled by Rodney, please let me know. These decisions were not taken lightly.

 

 

Righto Folks! Do you realise 2025 is just around the corner? This is when the Register will celebrate 20 YEARS of existance.

Now, what we need are a couple of venues to be put forward, e.g. Memorial Site - Crookwell, Clarendon Classic Rally, Hamilton VIC, Biloela QLD. These are just an example of Rallies in past times. Please notify Robert or Anne with your ideas.

 

Neville & Bev Hunter in South Australia, have been driving all over the country, visiting shows, promoting the Howard brand and the Register.

None more so than Biloela QLD in 2022, which was washed out and we caught up with them at Biloela 2023. There we had a discussion about attending an event in South Australia.

Well folks, Bev has come up with an event called "Power of the Past", for November 2024. Possibly second or third weekend. As we are coming together at Clarendon, the topic will be raised.

We have plenty of time to prepare, and I will make the necessary arrangements with Bev representing the Register, through the Adelaide Hills Motor Restorers Club.

 

2024

WINDSOR GAS LIGHT FESTIVAL

This was an event with a difference and the first time it was held.
Organised by Howard member and Councillor of Windsor Shire, Shane Djuric. It was a short display, virtually from 3pm till 9pm.

Matt Vella, Steven O'Connor, John Gray, Shane and myself with Anne, had a nice little display. We had to decorate our Howards with Fairy Lights, and didn't they look cute.

In our favour, a Roast Spud van was placed with us and brother did he do a roaring trade. This kept us busy with many a question being taken as well as childrens' photographs.

Due to the flooding situation in the area and the soggy ground, the event was moved onto a concrete surface amongst the shoppers in the closed off Mall.

Windsor Council, Shane Djuric and all who attended, did the Register proud!
The next major event for the Register will be, at this point in time, the DUBBO TRUCK & TRACTOR SHOW to be held in August, (see details elsewhere) over two days.

HAPPY HOWARDING!

 

 

JULY

 

 

The CALLIDE DAWSON MACHINERY PRESERVATION CLUB Inc. is staging their 10th Biennial Queensland Heritage Rally and are celebating 100 Years of the Biloela area.

The event is to be held at the QUEENSLAND HERITAGE PARK, Biloela. Dates are 19/20/21st July 2024. 18th July is set up and evening Welcoming Dinner for exhibitors.

Details are available on website qldheritagerally.com.au, or ring Cindy Cooper - (07)4992-2400 in business hours - 0429 383 296 after hours.

I thoroughly recommend this Rally after attending their event in 2023.

 

AUGUST

 

 

The DUBBO TRUCK and TRACTOR SHOW is returning to a 2-DAY EVENT on the 10th/11th August 2024.
The Register will be displaying at the DUBBO Showgrounds, Wingewarra Street, Dubbo, in the usual spot, inside the oval. On the Northern end.
Look forward to seeing you all there.

 

2025

 

MARCH

 

NEW EVENT ----- NEW EVENT ----- NEW EVENT

My host Club, the Forbes and District Historic Machinery Association is staging a two day event at the Forbes Showground. The event will be held on the 8th and 9th March 2025.

The event will cater for Vintage Tractors, Stationary Engines, Historic and modern Cars and Trucks, as well as a Swap Meet.
I am going to seek a separate site for the Howard Register.

Camping will be avaliable. Details can be obtained from - Sarah (Events Secretary) 0405413936, Peter 0438535225 or Michelle 0404463150.

 

 

 

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