TRIBUTES are being paid to a well-respected Goostrey villager who ‘loved and lived for traction engines’.
The sudden death of Terry Bostock has shocked and saddened the close-knit community of fellow enthusiasts.
Terry died after being taken ill only days after attending the Cheshire Game and Country Fair at Tabley, near Knutsford, with wife, Molly on the August bank holiday weekend.
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With son Des, Terry, in his early 80s, was a popular and regular figure at steam rallies.
The pair drove their lovingly restored veteran traction engine Lady Carrick to events some a considerable distance from their home in Goostrey.
The Bostocks Lady Carrick was built in 1902 by John Fowler and Co of Leeds.
The steam engine spent the first 100 years working in the heat of the sun in Tasmania, Australia, before being shipped back to the UK.
Terry and Des bought it more than 20 years ago as ‘little more than a shell’ and brought it back to its former glory.
The large canopy originally covering the engine was replaced after it was replicated by the pair of enthusiasts.
Two years ago, Terry helped Goostrey Parish Archive to stage a display of old time agricultural vehicles and machinery as part of its Goosfest exhibition about local farming at the Crown Inn.
An archivist recalled that his contribution played a major role in the success of the special event.
All Terry asked in return was two bags of coal to keep Lady Carrick steamed up on the car park where it was held.
One of the longest outings for the old lady was to a rally at Shrewsbury that took 11 hours to complete.
Martin Pimlott, a close friend and traction engine enthusiast, said: "Heaven gained a true gentleman in Terry Bostock, a great supporter of what Desmond and I did separately and together.
“You will be greatly missed, my friend.
"Terry was at the game fair. I saw him and Molly on Friday and all looked well, but he fell ill on Sunday.”
Older residents in Goostrey remember Terry and another enthusiast, Jim Dakin, delivering potatoes around the village.
The pair also carried bags of corn for Longs of Liverpool.
Later, after purchasing an ERF blower for the same company, they continued their deliveries from Masseys Mill at Cranage.
Terry’s wife Molly is Jim Dakin's sister.
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