Thriplow Daffodil Weekend with a Touch of Steam March 25/26th 2006

Although the weather before March 25th was not conducive for daffodils to bloom for the 38th Thriplow Daffodil Weekend, nevertheless the village was crowded.
People came from far and wide, mainly by car and coach, not only to see the daffodils which was a disapointment for them, but also to see other attractions such as Heavy Horses giving Dray rides, Sheep Dogs working, Morris Dancers performing, Gardens open to the public, Stalls on the Village Green and in gardens, Organ music and Chuch Bell-ringing.
   Also, for steam enthusiasts, there was the added attraction of seeing a traction engine  in steam. This was the 1914 Ruston, Proctor Success, No.50278, owned by the Pumfrey family of Little Chesterford, parked in a small lay-by in the main street and in steam on both days. It was bought new by C.R. Pumfrey of Duxford and was requisitioned by the Government during WW1 for baling and haulage of hay - it made a National record by baling 242 tons of hay in a week. After that war it was used for contract threshing until 1950 and has been rallied by the family ever since.