PICTURE OF THE WEEK : Anyone for the last Commercial Load of Turf?

There was more than one touch of nostalgia about this beautifully restored Bedford TK on display at the inaugural Balla Classic & Vintage Show in County Mayo, last Sunday.

Its drop-side timber framed body was filled with a newly saved load of turf. With the Government restricting the sale of turf commercially, this truck full of precious peat could fetch a handsome price too, with the cost of fireside fuel going up all of the time.

Nearby was an 1993 Scania 113M 380, operated by Road Care Works, Cloonfad. Among the other classic trucks on display were two fine examples of the iconic Volvo F10 Intercooler – an 1989 version owned by Pa Martyn from Glencorrib with a recently refurbished low loader trailer, once operated Willie Monaghan from Mayo Abbey & Ballinrobe, with Pat Peoples from Ballina with the 1985 MO registered tractor-unit. Across from the trucks was a vast array of tractors of all shapes, sizes and age profiles as well as an interesting selection of vintage and classic cars.

From the light commercial segment, Stephen Prendergast from Mayo Glamping gave the first outing to his restored 1972 Mk I Ford Transit campervan, while Cunniffes from Kilkelly, went back a step further with very well turned out Ford Thames 400 panel van from 1963.

Among the trade stands was a Hyundai forklift from local dealers Masterlift, Galway.