Classic Plant & Machinery Magazine Plant & Machinery August 2013 Back Issue

While surfing the internet I was
struck by the headline on
one national newspaper site:
“Bankrupt homeowner ‘wrecked
£500,000 property in under an
hour with a JCB because he faced
eviction’.”
The case is ongoing and the
allegations remain unproven, but
it does show how wellknown
the
JCB brand is that it can be used in
headlines like that. You don’t sell as
many machines as JCB has without
getting noticed.
Some see it is a mark of success
when a trade name becomes a generic
term for a product or service. Indeed,
I didn’t just search for that story, I
Googled it. There are other examples
involving vacuum cleaners, clear
adhesive tape and moveable buildings
often found on building sites.
Thankfully, the classic plant world is
broad and encompasses machines of
all shapes and sizes.
This issue’s cover story features
Harry Stephens, a man for whom the
word enthusiast could have been
invented. Rain, mud and a compulsory
purchase order can’t stop his
dedication to his machines.
We also meet Dave Bonner who
reveals all about his love of plant,
which began during his National
Service and never waned throughout a
long and varied career.
Incidentally, the website of
Teesside’s Evening Gazette newspaper
recently revealed another unusual –
and illadvised
– use of plant.
The story entitled “JCB thief jailed
after running over police car in Redcar
chase” told how a ‘driver attempted to
make a 20mph getaway’. At least he
wouldn’t get nicked for speeding.
Until next time, happy reading.