RECALLING farming as it was during and after the Second World War is not just a fond memory for 79-year-old Barry Evans from Kington.

Not a man to be idle, the retired quarry manager has spent long hours crafting a range of exquisitely made farm wagons, a tangible reminder of what were once commonly seen in the countryside.

A selection of Barry’s models will provide an enthralling glimpse of the past for visitors to Kington Museum when it reopens for the 2015 season on March 28.

The display will show the range and adaptability of the various models he has painstakingly made in wood.

He grew up with his family at Cutterbach Lane in Kington, not far from Hergest Court Farm where he spent happy hours helping out.

“I spent every minute at the farm, and fell in love with the shire horses and the old wagons,” says Barry.

He remembers the horses’ names, Derby, Flower and Boxer, and concedes that they knew more about farm-work such as ploughing and hoeing than he did.

“Every town had their own wagon maker, there was one at Brilley and repairs were done by a blacksmith at Headbrook up until the 1950s,” he added. “Gradually over the years, they became factory made.”

He was happy to move with the times, and enjoyed tractor work too. He has a handsome 1939 Fordson, and was a founder member of the Radnor Valley Vintage Society, undertaking road runs as far away as Penrith.

The club has made lots of money for charity, though members are mindful of motorists on their runs.

“It’s not everybody who likes 60 to 100 tractors on the road,” said Barry.

His first job was in agricultural engineering at Kington, before two years’ National Service in Hong Kong with the 7th Hussars. Though far from familiar farm life, he loved every minute.

Back at home, he began work at the Gore Quarry where he remained until his retirement.

Already his passion for farm wagons had begun, and over two years he made a one-eighth scale Monmouth wagon.

A Lincolnshire wagon was crafted in just six months, in time for display at Pembridge Show.

Not a man to blow his own trumpet, Barry won the Welsh Ploughing Championship twice on his tractor. He avoids publicity about his collection, but has now been persuaded to show a sample at the museum.

“I just enjoy making them,” he says. “I also still fiddle about with tractors. I’ve got no complaints, life’s been good to me.”