20 Mar 2014
Sunday 4 May 2014, the Yass Antique Farm Machinery Club (YAFMC) will hold a groundbreaking World Record setting attempt - "Woo Back" - with an anticipated 100+ heavy horses simultaneously 'groundbreaking' pulling ploughs together against a beautiful rural backdrop of Willow Vale, in Yass, NSW.
The event will raise funds for three local charities, with all proceeds from entry tickets being donated to Can Assist Yass, Heavy Horse Heaven and the Yass Rural Museum. A small portion of proceeds will also be donated to local groups who assisted with the running of the event to help defray their costs.
According to one of the event organisers, Chris Broers, to the best of his knowledge, this is the first time such a World Record attempt is being made.
"We don't believe any other group or organisation has ever brought together such an impressive number of heavy horses to ground break with traditional ploughs at the same time," said Chris.
"I'm sure the Poms will be out in force to defeat our record the minute we set it!"
"We're also delighted with the support we've been receiving from heavy horse aficionados right across the country... We even have a team from WA who will travel more than 3800 kilometres to be part of the effort!"
The Yass Antique Farm Machinery Club previously set a Guinness World Record in 2001, when they successfully brought together 301 tractors for a simultaneous pull, surpassing the previous record by almost 200. The 2001 record was witnessed by over 5,000 spectators.
"We wanted to do something significant at the Yass Antique Farm Machinery Club to help fundraise for our local community," explained Chris, "and we thought what better way than celebrating our heritage with a display of the beautiful heavy horses coming together for the cause. Not only do we want to set the record, but we're looking to raise at least $30,000 in the process."
75% of the total gate proceeds will go Can Assist Yass, a charity close to the hearts of Club members.
"Three of our members are currently battling the disease, so it was an easy choice for us to make Can Assist as our first priority."
The remaining 25% will be divided between Heavy Horse Heaven, for the work they do rehabilitating and resettling sick and mistreated heavy horses, and towards the construction of the first display shed for the Yass Rural Museum.
"It is our hope that with the funds raised, the Yass Rural Museum will be able to realise its long awaited goal of building a display shed, since Yass Valley Council has completed the decontamination work for the site."
The weekend will offer spectators much more than the May 4 World Record attempt, with other heavy horse events including logging and harness displays, heavy horse measure, trade stands, food, a vintage tractor pull and antique engines on display.
Entry is $10 per person, free for children 15 and under, and a gold coin donation from pensioners. Free camping is available around the site.
For more information, go to http://www.wooback.com.au
About Yass Antique Farm Machinery Club (YAFMC)
Established in 1999, the YAFMC is located in the Southern Tablelands of NSW, about 50 kilometres north of Canberra, and brings together members to promote rural activities and celebrations such as the Murrumbateman Field Day and Woo Back.
http://www.yafmc.org.au/
About Yass Valley
With a proud heritage and connection to early rural Australia, Yass Valley offers a genuinely Australian country atmosphere, coupled with a modern and well renowned food and wine scene.
Just 45 minutes from Canberra, touring around Yass Valley is an experience not to be missed, with region's town of Yass and villages of Binalong, Bookham, Bowning, Gundaroo, Murrumbateman, Sutton and Wee Jasper providing a wide variety of experiences and many varied places to stay. From ancient inns where candles burn over a home cooked dinner, to vineyard breaks, nature hideaways and authentic bush camping, old homesteads, farmstays, modern luxury resorts and country pubs, there's something to suit everyone.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Broers, 0412 644 230, woobackyass@gmail.com
Max Hedges, 02 6226 1464
