Big opening at Kyle Park Transport Museum
A new name for the preservation of old machinery will become official today as the South Canterbury Traction Engine and Transport Club becomes the Kyle Park Transport Museum.
A large military display, working traction engines taking rides, and 100 years of Farmall tractors will be key attractions over two days of celebrations marking the unveiling of the club’s new moniker at its Brosnan Rd site.
Timaru District mayor Nigel Bowen will officially unveil the new signage at 11am.
The rebranding has come about after the club was told the name was too long and the Kyle name that members opted for honours the family who donated the land the complex sits on.
The site will become the Kyle Park Transport Museum, but the legal name remains South Canterbury Traction Engine and Transport Club.
Museum president Gordon Handy said the new name reflects the journey the museum has been through, adding ‘‘it’s exciting, and it’s positive, and the club is in a good place right now’’.
The museum will be open 9am-4pm this weekend.
Museum member Bruce Anderson is expecting about 20 Farmall tractors to be on display. ‘‘The museum has some, but a lot will be from private individuals.’’
Anderson also expects miniature truck rides, a bouncy castle and food and coffee stalls to be popular.