On a crisp February morning in 1967, a brand-new 3ft Auto-Roller rumbled out of the factory, gleaming in the soft winter light. Its journey had just begun, and with a final check from the factory foreman, it was carefully loaded for delivery. This little roller, fresh off the production line on the 24th of February, was destined for a special place—Private Banks, Catford Bridge, London SE6. The delivery had been arranged by the 'Agent' Shanks Mower Service, a well-known name in machinery, operating from Jennett Works, 311 Purley Way, Croydon.
The little Auto-Roller arrived at its new home with great excitement. It was a marvel of engineering, equipped with a wind crank and a reliable Lister engine, ready to flatten pitches and perfect playing surfaces for years to come. For decades, it worked tirelessly, rolling out immaculate cricket grounds, with the satisfying hum of its engine and the rhythmic chug of its wind crank turning with every season.
Time rolled on, and the world changed around the little Auto-Roller. Modern machines came and went, but deep in its iron heart, it held the memories of summer matches, early morning preparations, and the countless grounds staff who had come to rely on its dependable service. As the years passed, it found itself used less and less, quietly waiting for its next great adventure.
Then, one day, a remarkable thing happened. A team of dedicated engineers and enthusiasts discovered the little roller, still intact, still holding onto its original charm. The wind crank was still there, the Lister engine as proud as ever. This was a rare find—a truly original 3ft Auto-Roller from 1967, a time capsule of craftsmanship and reliability.
We at Auto-Roller are absolutely delighted to see such an original wonder return to us. It is an incredible piece of history, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to appreciate its authenticity.
However, we find ourselves facing a difficult question—what should we do with it? Should we leave it exactly as it is, preserving its original condition as a testament to its enduring legacy? Or should we fully restore it back to working condition, breathing new life into this classic piece of machinery?
We would love to hear your thoughts—what do you think?
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