The Great Chesterford Steam-Up 2006
by Michael Pumfrey 

The Great Chesterford Steam Up took place on October 8th. It had all the ingredients to make a very good show, superb weather, a wide variety of exhibits and local stalls, plus a friendly atmosphere.
   Seven full-size engines attended, including the 1927 Foster Showman’s Lord of the Isles, No. 14589, owned by Walings of Wisbech, Barry Peacock from Wilburton with his 1919 Ransomes Garioch Queen, No. 31298, David Gowlett with 1905
Fowler Ada, No. 10373, Melvyn Camps’ 1927 Sentinel Vectis Knight, No. 6889, and  Darren Swain with his recently repainted 1914 Aveling Roller Tinker Belle, No. 8361. EATES Chairman Sue Doncaster’s 1916 Sentinel Waggon The Old Man, No. 1170, was in attendance, as was President Robert Pumfrey’s 1914 Ruston, Proctor Success, No. 50278. As well as these, there were eight miniatures, including Terry Baxter’s McLaren, the Worbey Family’s Foden, Terry Young with his Garrett and Martin Hunt’s Burrell Little Chuff.
   Over £1800 was raised on the day; this will be divided between local charities including Medics and Essex Air Ambulance. A vote of thanks goes to all the sponsors and helpers who made this possible. Also, a special mention must go to new Chesterford committee members, Joanna Francis and Trevor Salter who with myself, also a new committee member, helped to make things run smoothly. Thanks must also go to Adrian Culpin and family for all their hard work running the event over previous years.
   Founder of the Steam-Up, the late Mick Charles had a motto that was always emblazoned on the bottom of his posters: “Come and enjoy yourselves”.  We hope that all who took part this year did exactly that.