YOUNG and old gathered in front of Holmesville Hotel last Saturday merging memories of yesteryear with the resources of today.
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The inaugural Billy Cart Derby drew more than 300 people and had 28 entries, some of which had been built that morning.
Elermore Vale's Gary Sims said it was the first time he had built a billy cart, though he had raced one before.
"I used stuff I had laying around at home like a hand truck, some bicycle parts and lawn mower parts," he said. "It's a great way to put some smiles on some faces and do a bit of recycling."
Rourke Ellemans, 8, and Steele Ellemans, 6, proudly showed off the cart their mum and pop made from pop's old golf buggy.
"The brake is shaped like a foot so you don't forget what it is," Steele said.
The carts were all made from different materials and it was evident the entrants had embraced the idea of recycling to create their chariots for the races.
"It's been a great day and we've had a wonderful time," Jewells' Jodie Bell said.
Team Jodie entered four carts that were built by Darryl and Trevor Brooks to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease, which affects the nerve cells that control the muscles.
Brock Linsell won the 12 to 15-year junior races before going up against Lance Irwin, who won the fastest four-wheel driver and claimed the King of the Hill title. Greg Dale won the fastest modified race with his three-wheeled creation.
Mick Sullivan's cart took home the most creative title while Gary Sims and his lawn mower cart won best repurposing.
Holmesville Hotel owner Stephanie Woolf said the responses have been great and people are already asking about entering next year.
"We will do it again next year, same time same place," she said.