SEWARDS OF PETERSFIELD

Engineer, Threshing and Haulage Contractors
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Marcle Steam Rally, 2008

Marcle Steam Rally, 2008

2008 Much Marcle Steam Rally
2008 Much Marcle Steam Rally

After the disappointment of the cancelled 2007 rally due to the floods, the 2008 event was one of the best. Presented by the Herefordshire Traction Engine and Vintage Club at its regular site, the rally programme listed 33 full size engines with 32 actually on parade. They represented all types and classes from the humble but increasingly popular portable to three showman’s engines.

There was the usual steam ploughing demonstration but this year behind protective fencing which, though probably a requirement of the dreaded health and safety police, hindered the publics’ ability to get good photographs of these engines which was a shame.

It is nice to see however that the steamers are still able to chuff around the site on the wide lanes left between the groups of exhibits, we managed to get some great pictures as the engines moved about.

As with every year, in the evening engines set off for various pubs in the area and later collected at the “Walwyn”, the pub just outside the rally gate where a mini gathering is held, centre stage this year being held by the Burrell showman’s engine “Lady Pride of England” which generated lights until about 11 o’clock.

Other classes were well represented on the field with nice examples of cars and commercial vehicles, this year the layout was a bit different with the timber demonstrations given greater prominence which was good to watch.

Our only criticism is the untidy jumble of engines, caravans and low loaders at the end of the field which rather spoils the otherwise excellent layout.

Marcle is a good traditional rally where everyone, both exhibitors and visitors enjoy themselves on a large well run site, long may it continue.