The combination of good weather, a well-presented array of trucks and plenty of visitors made the Nelson show a resounding success.

Photo: People‘s Choice award winner was Waimea Heavy Haulage Ltd‘s striking Kenworth T909.

In excess of 1800 people came through the gates of the Richmond Park showgrounds in November for Nelson‘s Truck Show, organised as a fundraising event by the Stoke School PTA. This year‘s event attracted 72 trucks from across the province, along with the usual food vendors and children‘s entertainment. A new market stall section was added, which featured a range of arts, crafts and produce for sale.

Nelson‘s show has two awards categories, the TMC Trailers People‘s Choice title and the Patchell Group of Companies Drivers‘ Choice award. The People‘s Choice award was taken away by Steven ‘Gilly‘ Gilmour in the Waimea Heavy Haulage Ltd Kenworth T909. The unit made for a spectacular sight towing its two rows of eight load divider and three rows of eight low loader, with a Caterpillar D9T bulldozer of local contractor Taylors Contracting Co Ltd on board.

The combination grossed around 85 tonnes and had a steady stream of onlookers both young and old. The Drivers‘ Choice was won by Geoff Webby with his superbly restored International F1800D Loadstar. Show convenor Mel Edwards remarked she thought it was great to see so many wins. “The school benefits, the truck drivers get together, and it‘s pretty cool to see people of all ages and both genders getting to have a close-up look at the trucks.” A total of $8500 was raised, and Mel wished to thank all the operators and drivers who took the time to attend, and confirmed the popular event will return again in 2019.

Photo: Geoff Webby‘s 6V53 GM powered International F1800D Loadstar drew the attention of many as it entered the Richmond Park showgrounds. It won the Drivers‘ Choice award.

Photo: No show in the top of the south would be complete without some representation from the TNL Freighting fleet. Darien MacLean drives this Western Star 4884FX seen carrying one of its ancestors from days gone by.

Photo: One of Allied Concrete‘s 500 series widecab Hino‘s flies the good flag.

Photo: Local carrier Solly‘s Freight 1978 Ltd is looking increasingly star-struck of late. Sam Kingsbury in his Mercedes-Benz 2653LS Actros leaves Richmond Park at the end of another successful Nelson Truck Show.

Photo: Local operator Harte Transport Ltd‘s impeccably presented Scania and Mitsubishi.

Photo: A number of industry suppliers had trade stands advertising their wares. The Commercial Vehicle Centre tent had a steady flow of people through it all day.