Beddie moving on

Brian and Helen Morgan’s lovingly restored 1957 Bedford fire engine is moving on to its next home in Camden, set to depart town tomorrow morning.

After being a mainstay in local celebrations for nearly six years Brian said “the time has come to sell it.”

“I’ve had a lot of fun with it. It attracts attention wherever you go. When you’re driving along the highway you’ll see people hanging out the window taking photos.”

The truck is mainly Brian’s passion, but Helen has also enjoyed seeing it in everything from the Wattle Time parade to weddings and birthday parties.

“It’s lovely to see people’s faces light up. The kids especially love it,” Helen said.

Brian and Helen purchased the truck nearly six years ago, shortly after moving to town.

The Bedford, which spent its working life in Bourke, proved to be exactly what they were looking for.

Brian served with NSW Fire and Rescue for 32 years in Newcastle, retiring as captain, and his father was also a firefighter.

“Once it gets in your blood you become a fireman for life,” Brian said.

He enjoyed the work that went into his hobby, including sourcing original parts and building a custom shed in the backyard to house the sizeable truck.

Brian says he’s not looking for another vintage vehicle right now, but admits he would be tempted “if we find something we like”.

In the meantime he’ll be able to use his shed for his other hobby, woodworking, and get his vintage fire engine fix with a friend in Harden who owns a 1976 Ford D200 and a 1930s Dennis.