Tunstead Tea Party
May 19th 2007
by Michael Pumfrey

The Third Tunstead Tea Party took place by kind permission of Billy Bird. Engine numbers were down slightly due to transport problems and winter repairs, but nevertheless the event was enjoyed by all who took part.
   Brian Hagan once again presented the Philp Family’s 1920 Fowler Road Locomotive Sir Douglas, No.15467, while John Brice steamed from nearby Stalham with his 1922 Ruston & Hornsby Steam Roller Veronica, No. 115123. Much interest was shown in the repair to Veronica’s headstock, a crack was discovered last year which has been metal stitched 
in situ.

     

   Barry and Matthew Peacock brought along their 1920 Ransomes Traction Engine Garioch Queen, No. 31928, from Wilburton in Cambridgeshire and at the lunch stop at  Worstead, we were joined by Billy Bird with his 1911 Allchin Traction Engine Felicity, No. 1527, and a small model Aveling Tractor owned by Ken and Tricia Spencer from Dilham.
   As well as the exhibits above, Keith Honour had kindly sent his Page and Howard fairground organ 'The Four Seasons', which played at Tunstead in the morning and then in the Square at Worstead. Also joining us at Worstead was Olly Wyeld’s new acquisition, a 1960 Scammell Highwayman Ballast Tractor, with which he had towing the Pollit Showman's Wagon owned by him and his brother.

     

   I will close by thanking Billy for the use of his grounds, the Landlord of the New Inn at Worstead, the Norfolk Rally at Scottow and the Norfolk Constabulary for their assistance.