Annual Vintage Gathering at Astwood Bank

I have been away this last weekend at Brixham in Devon for the annual Trawler Race, and photos will follow shortly. That is the main reason for me not updating recently.


As one of the principal organisers, I have little or no time to take photographs, however another small selection of pics from the Vintage Gathering, courtesy once again Matty Bisp.

A selection of steam exhibitors in the parade ring at Astwood Bank.

Exhibitor P.J. Curling with his excellent AEC
Oh dear, now this Fordson Standard belongs to Jon Boyce. Enough said!

Selection from the static tractor line up.

Annual Vintage Gathering at Astwood Bank

Well nearly a week has gone by and I must at least update the blog before disappearing off to Brixham for the weekend trawler race.


We had a very successful event again this year in dry and perfect conditions. Despite the World Cup the attendance was on a par with last year.


There were a number of issues that caused us concern. We ran out of car park space, but we managed to overcome that. The Lancaster bomber was cancelled due to servicing issues, and the caravan field was tight to say the least.

There are some malicious rumours amongst the rally and vintage community that there will be no more Vintage Gatherings. THIS IS UNTRUE. WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR AT S.E. DAVIS & SON with a new layout.

Here is a small selection of photos, courtesy of Matt Bisp.

This is the Ferguson Heritage encampment.





A fine example of a Cockshut, owned by Maurice Allely.
The gentleman riding this replica bicycle is Dr. Busker.

This fine example of a vintage cattle truck is owned by Maurice Allely, the founder of Allely's Heavy Haulage. After a long illness, our dear friend George MaClear from Northern Ireland was back in business.

Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway (GWR)

Last Wednesday 2nd June I made my annual visit to the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway May Steam Gala. I was accompanied by Chris Beale and his Grandad. It was a fine and hot day with plenty of visitors.

This year they celebrate 175 years of the Great Western Railway, in which this line was once part of before Beeching. Normally this line runs from Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse, but due to a land slip, the journey terminates at Gotherington.

Just north of Toddington the line is slowly being replaced and is getting closer to Broadway. The viaduct at Stanway is open and a limited service is running up and over this newly opened section. The Chairman and Chief Executive of the GWR had plans not only to proceed to Broad way, but expand beyond and reach Honeybourne. I understand the land and track bed has been purchased.

These first two photographs are of this road roller outside Winchcombe station. All you movie buffs may recognise this roller with its original registration number CH 3282.

The Titfield Thunderbolt was the 1950's movie which featured Sid James driving this roller in many scenes. The canopy was missing in the movie and one can only assume this was for movie purposes as the engine was originally supplied complete with canopy. Now owned by Nigel Keene from Wiltshire,

These next two shots are of Gotherington Station, privately owned but opened for the first time by courtesy of its owner for this steam gala. Looking south from here you can see the land slip.

These next shots are in and around the yard at Toddington, not normally accessible to the public.

And finally, a returning train to approaching Toddington from Winchcombe.