 |
 |
| Words & Pictures By : Matt Shipton |
| Although not a great distance from my home in Gloucestershire, this was the first time I had ventured up the M5 into the idyllic surrounds of Worcestershire to attend the Hanbury Steam Rally. Why I haven't attended before, I can't say but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the event. On entering the event, I was somewhat taken aback to see Fowler Showmans 'Repulse' hard at work generating for the adjacent organ that was spieling out some melodies for the massed public who had gathered around. I was surprised to see 'Repulse' at this event as it is far from a local engine, and one that I haven't seen in this part of the world for a good few years. Moving around the event I wondered through a fine assortment of stationery engines, most of which seemed to be doing some kind of work. This is always an added bonus, more so for those that don't generally take a lot of notice of these sorts of thing. A tip for any organiser, find them something to do! After blagging a quick cup of tea from a friend, I moved on to the Tractor section where there was an impressive array of vehicles massed in military precision lines. Of particular interest was Joe Darbys very early JCB which always looks well turned out and generates a lot of interest. Commercials were also well represented with a good number of quality items lined up. Of particular interest to myself was the Bedford Ambulance that was used at the Foden works at Sanbach in Cheshire. This was of course stood next to the Foden Societies Display Stand, which was generating a lot of interest as I passed by several times on my treks around the site. I have always noted how well the Military sections fit into any event. All you need to do is find them a corner and let them set up camp around themselves. Its simple but effective and really does bring a air of authenticity to proceedings. Of particular interest to myself was a duo of Thornicrofts and, part behind a duo of Bedford QL's. All very interesting. The steam section was pretty full, with a good selection of makes and types making there presence felt. It is always good to reacquaint yourself with people you have met previously in the year, which is what I did by managing to have long chats with Geoff Peach, Lyndon Shermon and Hedd Jones. Geoffs Sentinel was looking as tidy as ever as was Lydons Brown & May Portable as it gently ticked over in the September sun shine. Hedd of course was looking after Pat Jenkins unique Ransomes Wagon, which I understand will soon be fitted with the dray from Martin Faggs Foster Wagon, although I could well be behind the gossip on that score. Other engines of note were Fowler Road Locomotive, 'Atlas' which was looking as workmanlike as ever. Talking of workmanlike it was very nice to see Russel Cookes Foster Showmans 'Admiral Beatty' hard at work generating in the fair ground area. There really is something magical about watching a showmans engine hard at work. I must confess to finding a nice spot sat on a low loader trailer watching engine and crew being put through there paces. I must have been sat there for at least an hour and had totally lost track of time. I had a rude awakening though as through the miracles of modern technology my good lady wife called me on my mobile to find out where I was and what time, if at all I planned on coming home. So unfortunately my day was brought to a close. All in all the Hanbury Rally is a good event. A good number of engines that I had seen in the weeks previous for sure, but a good little end of season show. My only gripe however and it is a minor one, but does reflect on the event as a whole was the programme. £1 for 4 sheets of poorly photocopied A4 sheets, does not make a good souvenir of an otherwise solid event. Perhaps next year they could either give the 'list' away, or perhaps adopt a far more professional approach. |
 |
 |
 |
|