Sewards of Petersfield - Rally Review

Top: Ruston Proctor Traction Engine, 50278 - Success
Bottom: Garrett Tractor, 33991 - Patricia

In August on our way to our holiday in Norfolk we visited the Thurlow and Haverhill Steam and Country Show organised by the venerable East Anglian Traction Engine Society. This event has been going for a long time and has a regular and loyal following. It is held on a hill top showground with easy access from the main road from where it is well signposted. We found it easily and after parking the car, were eager to look around. It is always interesting to visit a rally for the first time and see some engines that we may not have been seen before and we were not disappointed.

The programme listed 23 engines, (interestingly entry number 13 was unused) and a good selection of makes and types were on show. There were demonstrations of threshing, wood sawing and steam ploughing, although the space for this activity could have been somewhat larger. It was nice to see that the engines were able to move about and even park outside the beer tent! The grand parade at 1.30 was well organised and entertained the large crowd in the sweltering heat.

Other sections were nicely presented and the site was not over crowded with market stalls unlike some events.

This event was very enjoyable and well organised, as you would expect from such an old established society, if you are in the area next year give it a try.