Vintage truck Peggy enjoyed a four day starring role at the world famous Beamish open air museum as part of her owner’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
The 1950 Bedford truck, lovingly restored by Moody Logistics and Storage, brought an added touch of authenticity to the museum’s 1950s town, delighting visitors to its Front Street terrace.
The family-run firm offered Peggy to Beamish as truck-in-residence where she proved a popular photogenic backdrop.
Cramlington-based Moody’s is currently marking its 75th anniversary, having been founded in 1947 by David Moody on returning home after serving in the Second World War.
He bought a household coal round and began collecting sea coal, also delivering to local businesses before branching out into transporting bricks. By 1953 he was operating five trucks, which included Bedfords like Peggy.
Managing director Caroline Moody said: “Peggy is virtually identical to one of the first trucks my grandfather ever bought, so she holds an incredibly special place at the heart of this company.
“Although she’s extremely pampered, Peggy occasionally ventures out and we thought it would be lovely to mark our 75th anniversary by sharing her with the many visitors to Beamish.
“She was a perfect addition to its 1950s town. Trucks like Peggy were once a familiar sight on our roads, so I’m sure she would have brought back many memories. I’m told she was included in many photos!”
The latest addition to Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, Front Street terrace features a 1950s café, fish and chip shop, hairdressers, and a recreation of the home of North East artist Norman Cornish.
Paul Foster, Historic Events Officer at Beamish, said: “It was wonderful to welcome Peggy to our 1950s terrace during the recent half term celebrations at the museum.”
The Bedford OLB, which has a straight six 3519cc engine, was bought by David’s son and company chairman Alan Moody from a Devon motor museum in 2017 before it was fully restored by the team at sister company Heathline Commercials Ltd. For Alan, who named it Peggy after his mother, it rekindled many precious childhood memories.