Strumpshaw Steam Rally
May 26/27/28 2007
by Pat Freeman

In spite of, or perversely because of, the forecast of inclement weather over the Bank Holiday Weekend, there was an excellent attendance on Saturday at this, the 15th Annual Steam Rally. There is always much to see at this rally, set in a beautiful Park. Besides full-size and scale model steam engines there are vintage tractors, cars and motorcycles, commercial and military vehicles, stationary engines and tractors; indeed it caters for a whole range of enthusiasts as well as the general public intent on having an entertaining day out. The EATES was showing, and selling, their latest sales release the 'Steve Neville Film Archive DVD'. Details and price of this are given on the Sales page.
   Mike Richford, the Strumpshaw Museum’s Publicity Officer said that there was also a good turn-out on the Sunday, until the rain set in. He said that 52mm ( 2 inches ) of rain was recorded nearby in the 24 hours to Monday lunch time. This badly hit visitor numbers and meant that, as the rain continued into Tuesday morning, some exhibitors required a tow to get their engines onto the roadway. Some Ring events also had to be cancelled.
Mike also said that the eleven showman's engines and the Downs' Gallopers, made a spectacular showing on the Saturday night. Entertainment on the Monday was provided by Winston the Singer Farmer, Organist Paul Greenwood, Resident Organist at the 3000-seat Opera House at Blackpool, Chris Barber and Lizzie Soames playing the Museum’s Christie Organ was much appreciated.
   I wonder if entry No.1 in the programme was present at the rally because of the weather forecast? As I was there only on the Saturday I have not found out if it was used for towing on the Tuesday. It was the 1933 Sentinel TDG Brutus, No. 8756, from the Bressingham Steam Museum. The programme note said that its winch engine was restored this year and it was being used for timber hauling and was useful with the snowplough! Was it used?
It is interesting to note that, of the eleven Showman’s engine entries, only one was from the County of Norfolk. It did not have far to travel as it was the 1918 Burrell  Princess Royal, No.3789, from the Strumpshaw Museum. This magnificent engine is maintained and driven by Chris Spinks.
   I was pleased to see Allan Marchington of Herringwell, Suffolk, at the rally with his Fowler 7nhp Showman’s Engine Girlie, No.13922,  Reg. No. HO 5630. The engine was purchased by Allan and Liz Marchington in October 2006 and they would greatly appreciate any further information that could be passed to them about it..

     

   The Wyeld Family of Norfolk had two entries at this rally; the 1908 Ruston Proctor Traction Engine Rusty, No. 34987, and the 1913 Foden Road Loco Monarch, No. 3534.

     

   Last year a new event took place in the Park - a Working Day - where tractor enthusiasts put on a magnificent display, supported by steam engines, at work. A similar event is being held on September 22nd and 23rd of this year - try not to miss it.