Great Dorset Steam Fair

There will be a short break in the blog whilst I visit once again the Great Dorset Steam Fair. I shall arrive at Tarrant Hinton on Sunday 28th August and return on Sunday 4th September.

The event held on a 600 acre site is one of the largest of its kind in the world and we are very lucky to get invited to attend on behalf of the NWVTEC.

The photograph below is taken in 'the play pen', heavy haulage area, and Allelys Group who will be in attendance again this year, are hauled round the area by powerful steam road locomotives. The railway loco on the low loader is 35005, 'Canadian Pacific', 4-6-2 Merchant Navy Class built for the BR Southern Region. This locomotive I understand is currently under overhaul.

The Fillongly Country Show

The 87th Fillongly Country Show was held this year on Sunday 14th August on a site at Corley Moor between Coventry and Fillongly. Largely an equestrian event but with a rural twist of cars, tractors, trade and livestock etc.

I was recommended to go from several of my fiends and colleagues and I would further recommend this event to others to attend in future.

Here are some photos I took.

A fine specimen of restored Morris and Austin Commercials from the late 1950's

Another little Austin pick up from pre war days.

A Coventry build Triumph Mayflower from the 1950's

Now this is quite rare, built by Armstrong-Siddley in Coventry circa 1930's this is a 'Long 20'

The next two shots are taken facing and away from the vintage tractor section. There was a good turn out of tractors overall, and the section is organised by the Ferguson Heritage.

Torbay Steam Fair

Sorry it has taken so long to up date the blog, but here goes for another edition of Waggys Bumper Fun Blog of Pastimes and Relics.

The weekend of 5th, 6th and 7th August is the Torbay Steam Fair. Held at Churston, near Brixham.

This is an excellent event and well worthy of a visit, plus the added attraction of being by the sea side. (Bonus) Anyway without further delay, here is a sample selection of photographs that I took.

A lovely rural scene from days gone by, a Massey 35 complete with a fully working reaper/binder.

We are not entirely sure what this model is, but looking in the programme we think is is based on a 1945 David Brown

Although this has a Fiat badge, this is in fact a Someca 25D. Age unknown

A 1952 John Deere MC 16hp Spent most of its time working in Kent.

A 1939 Leyland Cub Fire Engine. Did its war service in Bristol, Plymouth and Exeter.

A fine example of steam driven rack saw.

An Austin K2 2 ton Flatbed, 4 litre petrol engine from 1939.

This is a Commer Maxiload. Finally taken out of road service in 1977.

A Triumph TR3A from 1959. 2138cc

This is a Hillman Minx from the 1950,s. In those days when we had a motor industry in the country, this would have been manufactured by Rootes Group at Ryton on Dunsmore, Warwickshire. The factory is no more!

This is a 1958 Standard 10. Once again made on Coventry. The site is now a Sainsbury's store. My very first car was a Standard 10 TOL 256.

'The General', a 6" Burrell Scenic Engine with a Dean 30 key less organ behind.

An overview from the Big Wheel. Over looking the parade ring with steam exhibits on display.

Another over view from the big wheel, this time looking towards the vintage tractor section. The main road on the left is the Dartmouth road running from Paignton and Brixham.

Fowler 7hp A8 Road Locomotive, 'Nightmare', built in 1912.

Burrell Showman's engine 'Supreme', built in 1923.

Wallis and Stevens Expansion General Purpose Engine built in 1912. 'Sheaf of Arrows' is a 6hp machine.

Foden 4.5hp C Type tipper, 'Major Stanley', year unknown.

Sentinel Super 3 way Tipper, 'Elizabeth', built in 1927.

Fowler 3hp Tiger tractor, 'Firefly', built in 1919.

Burrell Showman Road Locomotive, 'Earl Beatty', 8hp, built in 1921.

Steve Corbett's 12 ton Aveling & Porter 5hp road roller, 'Major'.

A Bedford OYD from 1943, 3500cc.

Torbay

Sunday 7th August. 6024 King Edward 1st en route to Kingswear from Bristol, passing through Galmpton, nr Brixham in Devon. Our caravan was just a few minutes walk away from this preserved I.K. Brunel line. She had 11 hanging from the tender.

British Waterways

Sunday 31st July saw us at the National Inland Waterways Festival at the marina at Shobnal Fields, Burton on Trent. I am think hard about purchasing a boat of some description, but not a narrow boat, certainly not at £80,000 a time (new) So me and 'The Bisps' went over to enjoy a fabulous event.

As you can see a vintage funfair is provided for your amusement.

The vintage Leyland Beaver brewers dray was on display. This was from only done the road at the National Brewery Museum.

Here is the dray around the parade ring.

Some vintage motorcycles were also on display.

As you can see from these shots, there is some congestion at the moorings for this event. The large tower in the distance is the 'Coors' brewery.

There were some historic narrow boats on display including steam coal barges

Uhmm, any passing places ahead?

Shustoke Vintage Show

On Saturday 30th July we attended the Whitacres and Shustoke Horticulteral Society's annual event at Blyth Hall, just outside Coleshill in Warwickshire.

Forget the bigger shows just for once, we got in as late entries and we were made very welcome indeed. This is not a NTET approved event and that was why!

The Vintage Village comprises of vintage and classic cars, motorbikes and tractors. The attendance was enormous and everybody was well catered for. We shall be back next year for sure.

Here are some photos I took.

This is Matt Bisp on his Ford 1200.

Bernard Whitehouse sits upon his recently restored Massey 744 and a fine job he has done indeed.

Fowler Showman's engine 'Repulse' sits aside the Gaviolli of Paris concert organ.

Amongst the other attractions was an equestrian section, farm animals, food tent, beer tent small fun fair for the kiddies, and a Viking camp. This was a typical English country event, larger than the average village fete. I loved it and will return next year. Also in the evening there is a BBQ and entrainment all for a small charge. Most people went home and returned after freshening up. I only live approx. 25 minutes drive away, so it was ideal for me to do so. However I didn't because I was a late entry, next year I certainly will.