Scenic new location for this year's DeCourcey Harvest Working Day

THE annual DeCourcey Harvest Working Day this year moves to the scenically-located farm of Derry Desmond in Harbour View, Kilbrittain.

As usual, it will be held on the August bank holiday Monday, which falls on the 7th. On the evening of Tuesday, July 18th last, the DeCourcey Vintage Club members gathered with Friends of Bandon Community Hospital and members of the Ballinspittle Comhaltas group – who will be the beneficiaries of this fundraiser – to attend the official launch of the Harvest Working Day at the wonderful new site overlooking Courtmacsherry Bay.

The large site has plenty of space to accommodate the usual working areas with continuous displays of harvesting, tilling and horse work throughout the day. Visitors to previous events will be aware of the range of machines, from horse-drawn reapers to trailer combines and early self-propelled models to modern giant harvesters that will all be seen working on the day. 

Each year, the number of machines grows and the organisers are looking forward to seeing some recently-restored vintage combines doing their thing at their event for the first time. This year, they will also have silage cutting, which is a first for DeCourcey's and which is generating excitement. 

The emphasis will be on vintage and rare machines but Claas Farm Machinery will also be using the event to promote their latest silage harvesters. The Claas display should be a ‘must-see' for all tractor and machinery fans. 

They feel fortunate to be able to display the latest Claas Jaguar 970 silage harvester, which will be working at the event. The organisers extended their thanks to Claas agent, Tim McCarthy of McCarthy Plant and Agri Sales in Carrigtwohill for his support. All working combines must register before the event. Silage cutting slots will be allocated before the event, but anyone bringing equipment will be able to display in the static area. 

For up-to-date club news and entry forms, check the DeCourcey Classic and Vintage Club facebook page or the website www.decourceyvintage.com.