Sad Christmas for Traction Engine Club of Ulster
	Instead of the usual feelings of Christmas cheer, Christmas Eve 2001 proved a sad day indeed for the members of the Traction Engine Club of Ulster. It was on that day that they buried one of their few remaining founder members, James McIlfatrick, who was in his 91st year. James was a stalwart of the club since its inception and could always be depended upon to help out in any way possible. He chaired the club AGM as recently as last year and proved an interesting speaker for a radio interview previous to the 2001 rally. James was a source of great knowledge on all aspects of history - especially of rural issues. He had a very clear mind and could recall things that happened 60 or 70 years ago as if it were yesterday.
He provided a lasting testimony to his historical knowledge by penning a number of books including a history of the Derry Central Railway Line, a history of the local Presbyterian Church and a book of his own poems. A great raconteur, James was interviewed for a series of television programmes over the past year, recording his memories of the last century and was certainly able to tell many interesting tales. Never was James prouder than when he was out with his Wallis and Steevens Advance Road Roller - 'Wee Mary Ann.' Although not always at the controls over the past few years James was sure to never be too far away. Himself and his 'first mate' Willie McLaughlin were always a welcome and familiar sight at all the local rallies. A man diminutive in stature, James was certainly never thought of as a small man in others estimations. A highly thought of individual he will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but as long as 'Wee Mary Ann' keeps steaming the members of the Traction Engine Club of Ulster can be well assured that the memory of James McIlfatrick will long linger on.
James & Greta with Wee Mary Anne		Wee Mary Anne