To mark the 50th anniversary, the dealership team organised a two-day exhibition in November, showcasing current John Deere tractors and machinery, as well as some historic and iconic favourites. The event saw over 4,000 exhibitors pass through the doors of the Eikon Centre to support the dealers and view the latest equipment on offer from John Deere.

Johnston Gilpin & Co dates back to 1968. It was started by Donn McConnell on Waterloo Road, close to the location of the current dealership at Lisnoe Road. Donn’s son Randal McConnell is now managing director of the business, while Randal’s brother Neale runs the domestic grounds care division at another site just a few miles away.

“This has been an important milestone for us as a company to reach,” said Randal. “For us to be trading successfully and indeed expanding in today’s volatile business climate is a magnificent achievement. We see this special anniversary event as a show of strength, a sign of our professionalism and the culmination of my father’s hard work and dedication to the John Deere brand over the last 50 years."

Tractors from almost every range offered by John Deere were displayed at the anniversary event. Some of which included the 9RX articulated tracked tractor alongside the latest flagship 9900i self-propelled forage harveste.

100 year old Waterloo Boy

Graham Crymble loaned his 100-year-old Waterloo Boy, John Deere’s oldest tractor, to be displayed at the event. Another of the vintage and classic tractors on display was a 1951 John Deere Model B that belongs to the McConnell family and was restored around 15 years ago.