This Out Meeting was well attended by 36 Members
at the premises of our President Keith at Walford Cross.
BigwoodAgri have been trading since 1976,and since 1982 at the present
premises, and the range of facts, figures and machines were huge. Who knew that
a Telehandler was not a man who installed TVs? Who thought a Muck Spreader was
a malicious gossip?
Keith ploughed on with information which left many with furrowed brows, but he
may have sowed a few seeds of thought to be combined with admiration, and told
harrowing tales of fields left untilled until a vital spare part was supplied
from his warehouse.
Split into three groups and led by Keith, his son Tom and Sales Manager
[ex-Marine] Neil, we were taken to the off-site store where machinery was kept
to meet an expected demand later in the farming season; to the spares
department where everything from a split pin for a Fergie to a £500 Hydraulic
Pump for a Tractor could be found from the racks of parts; the repairs depot
and the outdoor demonstration yard with all sizes of Tedder machines (bruises
and turns cut grass into hay), and Giant Tractors worth £90K each.
Manufacturers names read like a tour of the World – Valtra, Manitou,
Kverneland, McHale and West, and each had to have an Instruction Book, spare parts
and the knowledge of Keith’s team of experts.
A very impressive and forward thinking business.
After adjourning to the Merry Monk for a Carvery meal, Duty Rotarian Chris
Rickard proposed a vote of thanks which was heartily supported.
Ball Draw wine only went to Paul Hughes in his absence.
Next event is the Taunton Flower Show on 3rd and 4th August and all volunteers
have been circulated as to their duties.
Breakfast Meeting at the Stragglers on Wednesday 8th August.
Monday 13th August at SCCC – speaker Laura Penrose- Nightstop. d/r T.
Rowcliffe,
s/f R Foster.
Monday 20th August – 7pm Out Meeting to Dunkeswell Airfield Heritage Centre.
Monday 27th August Bank Holiday. No Meeting.
Meal apologies to RICHARD AUSTIN from now on, please.