Mon, 23rd Mar, 2015 Malcolm & Kerry’s farm, Westbury (Longford Pub & Westbury Silhouettes)

Woke to rain on the roof of the van – heavy dreary sky. It was clear sky when we went to bed last night!!! Heavy rain for the morning which the farmers are loving. We drove into Launceston to check out the little clothes lines at Ray’s Outdoors – not very strong compared to the ones I have seen so gave them a miss. Got some oil and filters so Steve can service the car. Picked up some steel for Malcolm. Even when it is pouring with rain there is something to be done on the farm.

We then headed south through Perth to find Symmons Plains Raceway. Symmons Plains is a big farm on a very big plain. Would look lovely with Ben Lomond NP mountains in the background if it hadn’t been so miserable. The rain stopped so we drove into the racetrack and had a quick look around. They are setting marquees etc up.

Headed back up the highway again and turned off towards Longford. Passed the historical site of Heritage Listed convict-built Woolmers Estate then along the hedge narrow road to the next historical estate of Brickendon. Longford was established around 1814 and sits at the junction of the Macquarie and South Esk Rivers. The first white settlers were the last wave of Norfolk Islanders expelled from the island in 1813. Followed by more free settlers from Britain, enticed to the area by the land grants being offered by the Crown.

Into Longford and we did a lap around the Village Green where they were dismantling the fencing etc. Here’s the damage the ute did into the lady’s fence and shed. She was more worried about her rose bushes that he ended up next to when he finally stopped. Apparently there won’t be any utes allowed next year.

Went into the old flour mill, now J J’s Bakery for lunch – yummy pies & sausage roll and a beautiful hot Mocopan coffee.

Drove down the road to the Country Club Hotel which is the “Pub Corner” of the race circuit back in the day. It is full of old photos and information.

Old car in the window was fixed up and then used in Targa Tasmania.

The bar was named after Lex Davison after he crashed into the edge of it in the 1963 Grand Prix (trying to avoid spectators) and then came in for a beer – without any money!! The publican said he deserved one after an entrance like that!! Lex is Alex & Will Davison’s (V8 drivers now) grandfather.

Lucky he didn’t crash when they used to allow the spectators to line the street outside the pub (1959), as I don’t think the chicken wire would have saved anyone!!

Another shot as they come around the corner – huge crowd.

Lots of info to read.

Steve pointed out on one of the big posters – the bottom car is what Malcolm’s car is based on and the top one was the MG that was competing on the weekend.

A lap around Longford with old and new photos. It was a 4 ½ mile circuit.

Motorbikes and cars.

So many famous drivers have been here – Jackie Stewart.

Alan Jones’ father Stan won the race, 18 years before Alan won his first Formula One race. This is the “hump” where the railway lines crosses the road up the street. Stan and Len Lukey were both doing 120 miles per hour!!

View up to the railway line – the drivers were driving away from us.

Jack Brabham.

Interesting reading about Kerry Cox and his car, the “Purple Petrol Eater”. This car did 132 miles per hour through the Flying Mile.

The 1968 race meeting was wet, wet, wet and it was the last one held at Longford.

1959 meeting had 30,000 spectators – hard to imagine this quiet little town coping with that many people.

In the pool room the walls were lined with big frames for each of the years. 1954 was cancelled has they had transport problems.

Check out how they loaded them onto the plane back then.

A 3D model of the track complete with viaduct and little cars.

This is the section of the Flying Mile they used on Saturday.

This is the section of Tannery Road they used for the Quarter Mile Sprints. They are hoping to get a bridge or something to link the two bits up again for next year.

Back outside – A sign showing where Lex Davison hit the side of the pub.

Longford Revival Festival poster.

As we headed back out of town along the road where the cars used to race, over the railway line and looking down towards Tannery Road, now cut off by the main highway.

You can still see the rubber left behind by the cars.

Back into Westbury and the sun is out for a moment so we decided to check out the Silhouette Trail as there is one of Malcolm’s great grandfather. Westbury was founded as a village garrison in 1828 by Governor Arthur. Set amongst fertile plains and bordered by the magnificent Great Western Tiers, Westbury grew to become a thriving agricultural centre with a rich farming heritage. Today it is renowned for its English country character and Celtic charm.

First one we found is of the Fitzpatrick Sisters who ran the Fitzpatrick’s Inn with originality and style for more than 50 years.

On the sign into Westbury it says “You’ll be bowled over”. Now we know why. ‘Jack’ Badcock, born in Tassie, was a talented cricketer who toured England with Sir Donald Bradman in the 1938 Ashes Series.

Lovely old church.

Found Sir Walter Lee’s silhouette next to the Methodist Church.

Beautiful coloured leaves on the tree as the rain came down again.

Cute cottage with its shaped hedge.

This one is about John Jones who deployed the chain of dogs on Eaglehawk Neck to deter convicts escaping from Port Arthur. He went on to become Magistrate and first Mayor of Westbury.

Another one in the Village Green about the Irish Exiles.

Heading back through Malcolm’s property – lovely green shoots are appearing.

These are the round bails Malcolm (and Steve watching in the tractor) did last night – then he went out again and did some smaller rectangular ones.

Quiet afternoon doing my blog while Steve helps Malcolm with a few things. He is wanting to put in a gas HWS so we are happy to be able to help him out.

Rain has stopped and the sun is peeking through the dark clouds for a moment.

Rang Kaylene to see how they all are.