SEWARDS OF PETERSFIELD

Engineer, Threshing and Haulage Contractors
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Driffield steam rally

Driffield steam rally

Marshall 76795 at Driffield Show 2005
Marshall 76795 at Driffield Show 2005

The weekend after we visited Pickering we called in on the Driffield rally which is held on a showground just outside the town, it was just as well that we knew this as there was very little in the way of signposts indicating the route to the event. We eventually found our way onto the ground and made straight for the steam engines. As it was fairly early on a grey and damp Saturday morning there were still some engines raising steam on their low loaders but we saw them driven in as time went on, otherwise the steam section consisted of a good and varied selection of engines, most of which were well presented and in good order. There were several Marshalls on show including a very complete but derelict roller which was very interesting to look over, even having a set of firing irons and a road tax disc for 1963, presumably its last year of employment. It will make a nice restoration project, we only hope that it returns to steam in its current form. Marshall engines are apparently always well represented here as one of the trophies awarded annually is for the ‘Best Marshall’, an award that, in our opinion, Victoria would have no trouble winning, but we may be a little biast… 

Makers Plate on Marshall 76795
Makers Plate on Marshall 76795

The whole event was well laid out with plenty of room for the exhibitors and the organisers were around overseeing the set up without being too heavy handed. As the site was a showground the facilities were good with toilet blocks etc and a large arena where things went on all day including, we were glad to see, traditional engine games. Other sections were well supported and there were the usual stalls, fairground and a selection of catering outlets to satisfy all tastes. One thing that we would have liked to have seen but couldn’t stay for was a road run into the town of Driffield on Saturday evening, something else that more rallies should consider doing. 

Fowler Tractor 14406 - MTOTO at Driffield Show 2005
Fowler Tractor 14406 - MTOTO at Driffield Show 2005

All things considered, Driffield was a good event, in fact we preferred it to Pickering but our preference for smaller rallies has been well documented in these pages. Long may it continue.