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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Pioneer Thresher & Hobby Association's 41st Annual Reunion, 2002-09-04, Page 3eanpatutatiatto, to the Kaftan, Yiattee* iffiteafie* cC Na66v 476,6,aciatian inc. an vau* 416,t Sectaan! sw SPifllings Blyth • Bolton • Brechin • Cainsville • Flesherton • sparlings.com 'Firestone The Leader in The Field THE CITIZEN. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2002. PAGE A-3. 2002 Committee chairpeople Back row, from left: John Lowe, Fred Hakkers, George Underwood, Wilbert Phillippi, Gordon Gross, Lloyd Josling, Henry Hendriks, Ray Hallahan, Brad McBride, Tom Penhale, Bill Vincent. Middle: Bernadette Andrews, Lorna Vincent, Gladys Van Egmond, Paul Josling, Wayne Lowe, Bill Andrews, Edgar Daer, Leonard Archambault. Front: Arie Van Diepen, Joe Hailahan, Deb Hakkers, Todd Andrews, Bill Seers. Absent: Chris Courtney, Dave Chittick, Dave Thomson. Elvis Vincent, Murray Siertsema, Gary Courtney, Jim Sloan, Marvin Scott, Bob Sloan, Shirley Archambault, Michael Andrews, Crystal Taylor, Diane Millian, Judy Sloan, Seva Irvine, Bruce Thomson, Elizabeth Battye, Todd Edgar, Janny Fear. 21 arrive for first day of Blyth course Continued from A-2 in the Huron County area so he took it upon himself to do so. "I thought it would be a good service to (those involved in) the Thresher Reunion and operators in the Blyth area," he said. Though confirmed participants were limited as word of mouth spread information about the course, Shillinglaw said he was pleased when 21 arrived for the first day. Attendees traveled from an area extending from Wiarton to St. Marys and Kitchener-Waterloo. Though there was some reluctance from a few of the older attendees because of their long history_ in operating the equipment, Shillinglaw said this had faded by the second day and good interaction resulted. And those taking Shillinglaw's course were not just the old hands with steam engines. The oldest student was 86 and the youngest was 21. For those with difficulty taking written tests, an oral version was also offered. The course focused not only on safety, the dangers of steam, hot water under pressure, proper maintenance and water treatment, but took the opportunity to dispel any preconceived notions from the past, said Shillinglaw. As a bonus to the classroom work, participants visited the St. Thomas museum to study the operation of a locomotive. Because many of the students had other responsibilities such as farm work or outside jobs, Shillinglaw had not expected all to attend the optional trip. However, they all went and suggested it was a highlight of the course, Auburn steam engine owner Bill Andrews offered his shop and engine for use in the course. There was almost perfection in Shillinglaw's class, with 20 of the 21 passing the course. Shillinglaw sees great benefit in such courses. making steam-powered equipment handling a safer hobby. He believes it will also assist organization such as The Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion and Hobby Show in offering a safer event, with the "lower possibility of risk." "Everyone will be a better operator," he added. "Ontario is one of the safest provinces to have steam engine displays due to the stringent requirements for the operator's certificate." Though it is unlikely Shillinglaw will offer such a course again, he said it is possible the group may gather in the future to discuss matters of interests to those involved in the hobby. Anyone wishing to acquire a steam traction operator certificate after Sept. 1 must make pre-arrangements through the government and attend at a government approved site. Prior to that date, an instructor would, come to a group's location for ease of access. rtrestone_ Farm Tires GETTING THE JOB DONE IN HURON COUNTY MICHELIN - UNIROYAL - B F GOODRICH - FIRESTONE - BRIDGESTONE CAVALIER - GOODYEAR - KUMHO Huron Tire & Auto AUTO - TRUCK - FARM - SPECIALIST Hwy. 4 South CLINTON, ONTARIO (519) 482-3752 OR 482-9796 DOUG RIEHL MIKE McNICHOL