John Fowler : anger from other communties

If it leaves the district it is doomed to never return.

The John Fowler Steam Road Locomotive at Wellington has state significance as it demonstrates the role of steam road locomotives in road building and haulage in the opening up of land for economic development across rural NSW in the early 20th century.

It has local historical significance for the Wellington area having been involved in constructing roads in the area between 1912 and 1922.

The council minutes for April 6, 2014 stating that there were no qualified operators available to operate the engine was not exactly true we hear.

There was a qualified operator who was prepared to take on the responsibility of maintaining and running the engine but had resigned because of the constant interference and complaining.

It was for this reason alone that he had to resign.

There is also another fully-qualified member of the community (who has his own traction engine) but who was not approached.

Both of these boiler operators are prepared to assist with the training of other suitable people who could then sit for their testing by a certified inspector.

This option would be far less expensive than the $3150 stated for training in the council minutes.

Ticketed members of The Maitland Antique Engine Association are running training sessions on the operation of steam boilers and engines.

Final training and testing will then be done by a certified boiler inspector at a fraction of this price.

There are many qualified boiler operators from associate clubs who are willing to assist the two Wellington operators with the running and maintenance of the Fowler engine and will do this at minimal cost.

Far less than the $30,000 that will be spent in the council proposal.

In the past, Wellington has had five or six traction engines at the Vintage Fair which has been a highlight of the parade, bringing many spectators to the event.

Many people come specifically to see the old steam engines and little kids love the sound of the whistles.

The absence of traction engines will cause many spectators to not attend next year's fair.

Oberon recently held its very successful Highlands Fair where there were six engines and Maitland has just held its Steamfest where there were eight full size and six model steam engines on display.

Many owners would be more than willing to bring their engines to Wellington but have decided to boycott the Vintage Fair because of the problems caused by a member of the community.

This person is known to members at antique engine clubs in Maitland, Tamworth, Campbelltown, Richmond, Oberon and is not welcome at any of them because of the untrue and libelous accusation made to members of the steam engine community.

Please keep this engine in Wellington as part of its heritage and allow it to be used to train local operators and to be enjoyed by everyone.

Get rid of the committee members who are not looking after the welfare of the Wellington community. Not the home of this great engine.

Paul Lousick