There’s a new club in town called the Rattlin Bones and Engine Groans Machinery Society which is now stand-alone.

The club, which is made up mainly of vintage tractor owners, was started so members could enjoy their machines.

President Mervyn Turner said it is a sister club to the Maitland Steam and Antique Machinery Association which runs Maitland Steamfest.

“We just want to get out and enjoy our tractors on short treks around the area and wanted likewise members,” he said.

“We had our first meeting on June 21 when 17 signed up on the spot and then we’ve had a few more since then.

“We all enjoy the social side of being in a club and want to get out more and enjoy the countryside.”

The club is heading to Lostock Dam on September 13 and 14 where a ‘shindig’ is being held by caravan park owners.

“We will probably do one trek a year of four to five days in length and then other weekends maybe 40 to 50 kilometres,” said member Emily Morgan.

“When we go on these short treks we will get in touch with the hall committees where we are going to see if they would put lunch on for us.

“That way it’s a bit of revenue for them and we can showcase our tractors too.

“And we’ve been asked to go to Bulahdelah Show in November.

“The club wants to put something back into the community and we were thinking of doing a toy run at Christmas to give to the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.”

Club members range in age from 31 up to 80 with three from Aberdeen, two from Bulahdelah, six from the Maitland area and the remainder from the Dungog Shire.

For more information about the club contact president Mervyn Turner on 4992 1497 or secretary Ben Morgan on 4992 3225.