The World's Most Famous Tortoise Is Stuffed...

No it doesn't mean that The Flying Tortoise
has had it's day and has gone to the great Bedford burial grounds in the sky.
It means that Lonesome George, the amazing hundred year old plus tortoise and the last of his Pinto Island species who died in June 2012 from natural causes, has now been 'stuffed' or if you prefer, preserved.
After being on show in New York's Natural History Museum George has now been flown to Quito in Ecuador where he will be on display.
There's a wonderful story of George's life, his girlfriend and his final journey here and here.
And by the way. Tortoises are Turtles that live exclusively on land...

Beautiful Bedford Housebuses And Housetrucks On Show...

Despite the gloomy weather forecast and the less than bright economic conditions, with recently increased road user charges acting as a deterrent to driving long distances, twenty five Bedfords brought their owners to Lance Cryer's Bedford Heaven for the fourth annual and very successful Bedford Rally.
Instead of the the wet and slippery ground conditions distracting from the weekend, it added to the fun as nearly all the buses required towing in or out of their parking areas.
There was plenty of sunshine though and the local Farmer's Market and other businesses benefited by us being there.
Saturday night the local Thames group, Ukes On Fire entertained everyone as they sat under the stars and around the fires.
The weekend was great fun for everyone.
You probably wish you were there...

Lance Cryer's Bedford Heaven. The Resting Place Of The Famous Bedford Marque...

This morning, Bedfords from all over the country will start arriving at Lance Cryer's Bedford Heaven at Puriri for the fourth Annual Bedford New Zealand Rally.
Surrounding the arrivals will be the relics seen here and hundreds more old Beddies who've had their day and now watch the world from the sidelines.
It's well to remember that these and many more were the mainstay of New Zealand's transport from the early 1940's and many of us are committed to keeping the marque on the country's roads. Often to the horror of others in their plastic tupperware computerised containers on wheels.
But let's not go there. I hear feathers rustling.
This Labour Weekend, the faithfull will be here to pay their respects to the past, enjoy the present and consider this for the future.
Bedfords Forever...