Banbury Steam Rally at Bloxham

The weekend of 25th & 26th June is the Banbury Steam Society's Rally held at Bloxham, just out side Banbury.

After a wet Friday evening the weather settled down to end on Sunday in very warm temperatures.

There was a good attendance and we all enjoyed the event very much.

First I present a selection of vintage tractors.

I am not sure what this tractor is, but it belongs to Mr Andy Stephens of Gloucester.

This Fowler crawler is owned by Mr Michael Davies of Avon Dassett, Warwickshire. Driven on this photograph by My John Garman, Shropshire.

This is Mr Michael Davies of Avon Dassett, Warwickshire on his Allis Chalmers crawler. Mr Davies along with John Garman are solid members of the Steam Plough club and Michael has a wonderful collection of vintage steam and tractors on his farm.

Pete Summers from Sambourne, Warwickshire on his war time Fordson Standard with Bamford's mower trailing, The tractor belonged to Peter's grandfather and has remained in the family all this time.

Matty Bisp on his Ford 1200. Matt, 17 is a member and committee member of the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club. A valued member indeed.

A lovely Nuffield 6/95 from the 1960's era.

David Aylward on his beautifully restored Field Marshall.

Steve Godfrey also from the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club on his BMC Mini tractor.

This lady is in control of a Farmall 'Cub'. A fine example indeed.

One careful lady owner. This is a BMB President a truly British built tractor.

Geoff Lamb of Alcester, Warwickshire on his still working Allis.

A Massey '65'

Bob Ratcliffe from Bourton on the Water on his Fordson E27N. A wonderful example and well restored. Bob is the vintage tractor section leader for this event.

Now the steam boys. This is a WW1 Foden restored in War Department colours.

This is a Wallis 'Advance' diesel road roller owned by Mr Pete Beale from Gloucestershire. His companion, Val Peglar road this with living van to many local events. This would be of the 1950's era.

Mr Dave Smith, Astwood Bank is the owner of this grand Burrel locomotive which is now over 100 years old. (The engine, not Dave)

A fine example of a Showman's tractor.

Another Foden of Sandbach.

More Foden's!

'The Chief', a single cylinder Fowler ploughing engine, circa 1890's. Owned by My Guy Deebes from Derbyshire.

This is 'Linkey', owned by Mark and Andi Jones from Droitwich. A compound Fowler ploughing engine built in 1916 and driven here by Mr Chris Beale from Little Comberton, near Pershore, Worcestershire.

Several engines and some vintage commercial went the the 'Black Boy', Milton for some refreshment on the Saturday evening. A good time was had by all and the ham cooked in the smoke box of 'The Chief' was just simply wonderful.

Brixham Annual Trawler Race 2011

An update to my blog is long overdue, sorry about this folks.
The Vintage Gathering was very wet on the Sunday, so unfortunately I had no time to take any photographs.
However the following weekend, 18th and 19th June I was accompanied by Matt Bisp for our annual sojourn to the Brixham Trawler Race.
A blustery and showery day beckoned on the Saturday when some of us assembled in the Vigilance in Brixham for breakfast. Not the Crown and Anchor as in previous years for some unknown reason.
We then took a short walk to the quay side at the new fish market to be greeted by a carnival atmosphere.
All trawlers were dressed overall and the party began very early. Alcohol was being consumed by 8am!
We met up with Matt Cox, who is a young crew member of the Apledoree Lifeboat, and Jordan Jones.
Then the problems began, it would appear that we were not going to get on board the Jacomina as in previous years. An attempt was made to assemble on the only visiting Dutch trawler, but finally we were allowed access to 'Sea Lady' BM2000 and quickly established out positions for taking photos etc and enjoying the thrill of the race. So here are a number of selected photographs for your amusement.

BM2000 'Sea Lady' was our host for the race, thanks to the skipper.

The race consists of a great number of trawlers, in differing types from day haulers to beamers. Here we see some now assembling outside the protection of the harbour and breakwater in readiness for the start.

This is the only visiting overseas trawler this year, from Holland. We did ask to get on board but with no success. Here we see her leaving Brxham harbour in a squall to assemble for the start.

Still several boats in readiness for the start.

We are now racing!

The Brixham lifeboat is always on hand in case of any mishap!

The second and last lap of Torbay, and heading towards Berry Head and continuance of the party.

Just one final word of advice for anyone who would think about visiting the Annual Trawler Race in future. Do not under any circumstances stay in Brixham on that Saturday night, it will kick off! We went to Paignton for our chips!