How it all Began back in 1995.

A small group of Bombala engine enthusiasts got together in a backroom of Crouch's Garage on Maybe Street with the desire to develop their love of old engines and machinery.  Out of this early gathering the 'Bombala Historical Engine and Machinery Society' was born with their first open day being held in a member's back yard on Caveat Street.  In 1996 they held their first Engine Rally on the southern end of the railway land in conjunction with the Fair Organ Rally and were called the Bombala Spring Festival.

I believe that a real bond was formed during this early period when meetings were held in the backroom of that garage.  Since those early days the club decided that they needed a place of their own where they could display to the public the fruits of their skilled labours and a permanent meeting place that reflected their hobby.  So began the new Engine Shed built on the design of a period building using authentic materials and methods.  The building was constructed on unused railway land in the middle of Bombala fronting the main road through town.  The hope was to have it completed in time to hold another Engine Rally by November of 1998.  Well they succeeded after a mammoth undertaking and with the very generous help of a few kind locals.  The second biannual Engine Rally was staged and the Engine Shed was opened on the 21st of November by Richard Stubbs of the N.H.M.A. or otherwise known as the "Mother Body".

Work continued on the grounds as well as refinements to the shed, and the site was made "Public Friendly".  Members have been available on a voluntary basis for tour buses and groups traveling through the area to stop in town and see the old machinery and watch some of it in action.  Mean while the club house was still under construction as a copy of a period country property kitchen with an original stone fire place.  My hat is off to the fellas for that faithful reproduction, especially the rebuilding of that original fire place and chimney that came out of an old local inn.  By now the push was on to complete the building in time for the 3rd biannual Engine Rally planned to be held on the 11th and 12 th of November 2000.  Again we were fortunate enough to have Richard Stubbs in his official capacity to open both the 2000 Rally and the new club house.

Since the new club house was opened, the members have been striving to interest the younger fold in joining our ranks.  So far there has been a degree of success, but the offer is open to more young people who are so inclined, to join our ranks and the senior member stand ready to help all by means of their collective experience.

The rallies traditionally held over Saturday and Sunday with Friday being the setup day, so with many members being available on that day it was decided to invite the local schools of the area to visit for a tour of the engine and tractor displays as well as live demonstrations.

A very successful 2002 Biannual Rally has come and gone as well one of our best so far.  The 2004 that was complete with a working Steam Roller and a very large Steam Traction Engine.  Both could be seen driving about the site during the rally as well as a very small working Steam Roller.