DINGLES Steam Village at Lifton was the setting for a special farewell party last weekend, in honour of Tavistock vintage vehicle enthusiast John Hobbs. The party for John and 50 invited guests was organised by the village's volunteer team, the Thursday Night Club, and was held in the new Fairground Museum. While still working retired bank manager John helped the premier magazine for vintage interests, 'Old Glory', get started and since has written more than 200 articles for the magazine on West Country based collections. His interest covered everything from traction engines to historic aircraft and he also had much to do with the Tavistock Steam Fair. On arrival at Dingles he was fitted with overalls and steered Richard Sandercock's steam engine 'Conqueror' up to the new museum building where the Gibbards of Lewdown and the Dykes of Lifton had their showmen's engines generating the power for the 1930s Dodgem track and Noah's Ark. These two form the centrepiece of the Old Time Working Fair that is being developed on site. An excellent buffet was laid on and Richard thanked John for his help and friendship to all. Dave Trebilcock presented John with a ticket for a steam train trip and flowers were presented to his wife Thelma. John and Thelma have now moved back to their roots in Somerset. l A HUGE collection of fairground organs will be on display at Dingles during the four days of the Easter weekend. For more information, call 01566 783425.
