2009 at the Hammond Barn

[Brian Gough]

Bob, Rob & Grant,

Thanks guys for a fun day in the woods - it was a perfect day for scooping up CMPs. I'm glad you got them home and unloaded without incident. It is a pleasure to watch the three of you work as a team when you are doing recoveries.

I hope Bob and Rob will enjoy these latest additions to their fleets. Barry Churcher and I first "found" them about 1992 when Les Fisher got a Bren Carrier from that location. Despite many follow-up calls and visits, it took until last year before I was able to get ownership of this pair. That's a long time to keep your mouth shut but there are more like this - I'm still trying to secure a 1994 "find". Although the previous owner was somewhat reluctant to sell, it is to his credit he would not allow them to be scrapped despite many opportunities. He is pleased their future is now secure with you - even if only to supply parts for a restoration. Also we owe him our gratitude for going the extra mile to get them out for us.

These 2 vehicles arrived there shortly after the War and worked hard hauling logs etc and never really left the property. Rob, the steering wheel on your new HUW is no longer round because a building collapsed on it in 1962. The HUW sat outside ever since. Bob, your new CMP trailer is better than I thought it was so I hope to see a complete restoration someday soon.

Rob, I think the photo with your son should be candidate for the CMP calendar next year.

Cheers,

Brian