Family reunion
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by Colin Sowman • Last weekend 300 ERFs from number 1 to the latest EC range assembled at Oulton Park race track. Despite heavy rain on the trade days the sun shone as people young and old played, dreamed and reminisced among young and old trucks. The numbers of trucks and people at the event suprised Paul Foden, son of Peter Foden and sales director for the family firm.
Indeed it was a family occasion in every sense, with not only three generations of Fodens attending but also driving the first ERF was the son and grandson of of the original purchaser; WF Gilbert. Like every great grandparent ERF 1 was a little cantankerous: it refused to start despite the combined efforts of the Foden dynasty.
Helping to judge the Concourse competition was Ernest Sherratt, one of ERF's founding four who went on to become its chief designer. His knowledge proved vital in choosing between the lovingly restored exhibits. A 1948 dropside in the colours of BS Eaton took the best in show with the 1959 tractive unit in the colours of Ken Thomas being awarded the best historic vehicle. Around the grounds were several as yet unrestored ERFs awaiting dedicated purchasers to breath new life into them.
While the event celebrated the past it also acknowledged the present with a working truck competition, and showed the future with rides in the EC Series. Around 150 ERFs entered the best working truck competition with Allen & Lock's five-year old tipper driven by Jennifer Lock (daughter of the owner) taking the honours. Alan Georgeson's A-Series has stood the test of time so well that it is still in daily use hauling potatoes. And it's moved with the times, the 24-year-old flatbed is fitted with a cab phone.