One Shilling
January, 1958
Traction Engine News
CONTENTS Editorial ... Arrangements 1958 Committee Meeting Report Secretary's Report News Flashes ... Rallies ... Advertisements
Page 3 3 4 5 6 7 12
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
GENERAL COMMITTEE AND OFFICERS (Elected 26th October, 1957)
Chairman: REV. PHILIP A. WRIGI IT, M.B.E., Hon. C.F., The Vicarage, Woodford Bridge, Essex Vice-Chairman: J. Crawley, Esq., 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford General Committee: J. R. Beeby, Esq.. Wymeswold, Rempstone. Nr. Loughborough. Leics. J. Crawley. Esq.. 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. A. E. Deans, Esq., 1 London Road. Baldock, Herts. N. L. Dickson. Esq., Bradwell House. 33 Collingwood Road, Witham, Essex. A. C. Durrant, Esq.. 94 Leigh Gardens, Kensal Rise. London. N.W.10. J. T. Fensom, Esq.. Friars Wash, Flamstead, St. Albans. Herts. A. J. Martin. Esq.. 18 Pavilion Way. Eastcote, Ruislip. Middlesex. A. C. Napper, Esq.. Bridge Farm. Appleford. Bucks. C. T. Prior, Esq.. Braywick, Maidenhead, Berks. G. J. Romanes, Esq., Coombe Bank, Uckfield, Sussex. S. A. Smith, Esq., Long Green, Cressing, Nr. Braintree, Essex. R. Stanbrook, Esq.. F. Upton. Esq.. "The Hut", Windsor Road, Maidenhead, Berks. S. J. Wharton, Esq., Minster Lovell, Oxford. Secretary: H. Bonnett, Esq., 24 Torrington Road, Perivale, Greenford, Middlesex.
Assistant Secretary: A. C. Durrant, Esq., 94 Leigh Gardens, Kensal Rise, London, N.W.IO.
Treasurer: E. W. Edney, 33 Portsmouth Road, Horndean, Hants.
Editor: Dr. G. J. Romanes,
Member i/c Club Ties, Badges, etc. Mr. R. A. Moules, 4 Fairlands Avenue, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.
Subscription: 15/- per annum.
Cover Photograph : Cambourne Rally 1957. Mass Advance. Photo : Western Morning News.
3
EDITORIAL The Annual General Meeting is over and its influence is making itself felt in the Club affairs. The Membership are grateful to the ❑utgoing officers and committee members for their efforts in the past bringing the Club through troubled waters. Much remains to be done and the "ship" is by no means in harbour yet. We all wish the newly-elected people well. We continue to look forward. We want all information as to dates and places of Rallies in 1958 well ahead for inclusion in the "Arrangements" feature. We hope that members will be prompt in the payment of their subscriptions. We want Advertising Matter to help pay for this publication. We hope that you all have a prosperous New Year with Good Steaming.
In response to several queries we are glad to say that the price of "1/-" which appears on the front page of "Steaming", is a nominal figure. Under the constitution of the Club every paid-up member is entitled to receive the News Sheet. "Steaming" is the successor of the News Sheet and accordingly no separate sum is charged for a copy. Around the Counties feature is absent. News and activities at this time of the year is scarce. The contributions already received have unavoidably been held over owing to pressure of space due to reporting the A.G.M. and insertion of previously held over rally reports.
*
*
*
ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1958 The following Rallies are planned but the list cannot be complete unless local Rally Secretaries will send confirmation of the dates. When the dates are confirmed the event will be marked by the sign Please send information for this feature direct to the Editor. 1958 10th May—Andover* 14th June—Appleford Rally* 12th July—Kilverstone Retford E.A.T.E. Club 12th July—Rempstone Rally 19th July—Cambourne Rally July—Tacolreston, Norfolk 26th July—Kegworth 4th August—Woburn*
4
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Members of the NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB. held at the White Hart Hotel, Kings Road, Chelsea, on Saturday, 26th October, 1957. Apologies were received from a number of Members and the Meeting stood in silence as a mark of respect in memory of the late Norman E. Box. Between 80 and 100 Members were present. The Minutes of the last A.G.M. were taken as read and approved as a correct record. There were no matters arising. The Secretary's Report was received. The Membership Secretary's Report was not to hand owing to the absence of Mr. Shipman abroad. Treasurer's Report The Treasurer's remarks were based upon the income and expenditure statement in the October issue of "Steaming". As far as he could say the Club was "in the red" to the extent of £88. In spite of this Mr. Edney offered to pay the 18 Drivers at the Appleford Rally the sum of £5 due. He mentioned other sums which should be paid, amongst them £50 to the National Association of Agricultural Contractors for use of offices. He drew attention to further Club assets, £12 Insurance Commission and a stock of car badges and ties to the value of £95. There followed discussion on the various items of expenditure, particular mention being made to the outgoings at Rallies, particularly printing, stationery and tentage. Finally, a number of Members expressed the feeling that the Club should accumulate and maintain a substantial balance to its credit before offering contributions to charities. The Meeting felt that a very close control should be kept on Rally organisation and expenditure by the General Committee. The Treasurer's report was adopted. After further discussion as to how the Club would meet its obligations the Chairman announced that Mr. Edney had given a Traction Engine to the Club which would form the subject of a draw at Appleford. The tickets are 5/- each and are being provided without cost to the Club by Mr. Crawley. The engine is a Wallis 7 N.H.P. expansion engine of about 1922 manufacture. Editor's Report Members expressed their pleasure at past issues and the report was adopted. A proposed amendment of Rule 5 of the constitution proposed by Mr. Martin, seconded by the Rev. Philip Wright. It was agreed that Rule 5 should be suitably amended by deleting the requirement that a qualified accountant should audit the Club's accounts, the Committee being satisfied that arrangements could be made for the accounts to be examined by a competent person or persons. Officers The Committee had recommended that the Rules be altered to provide for separate Offices of Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary and other such Officers as should be deemed necessary. The meeting accepted the recommendation and authorised amendment of the Rules to provide for those Officers in addition to an Officer in charge of ties, badges, and the post of Editor.
5
The Meeting noted that the suggestion had been put for the appointment of a Vice-Chairman and an Assistant Secretary and that any further appointments should be left to the discretion of the Committee. Subscriptions After some discussion it was agreed, on the suggestion of the Rev. Philip Wright. supported by Mr. Bonnett, that the Club subscription be increased to 15/- per annum forthwith. The new rate applying from the date of the A.G.M. Election of Officers Chairman. The Meeting agreed to a vote by show of hands as two candidates had been nominated. The Rev. Philip Wright took the majority and Mr. Crawley was appointed Vice-Chairman. Then followed the election of the Committee, 15 Members being needed according to the Rules. The new Committee, as printed on page 2, was elected. Secretary No nominations had been received for the Office. Several names were mentioned after Mr, Stephens had explained his position. He said that he was unfortunately unable to give as much time as he would like to the affairs of the Club. Mr. Bonnett accepted a nomination and Mr. Durrant agreed to help as Assistant Secretary. The appointments were approved by the Meeting. Before Mr. Stephens relinquished his post the Chairman offered his congratulations upon the Secretary's services over the past four years and this was warmly supported by the Meeting, The Treasurer's post continues unchanged, being occupied by Mr. Edney. Mr. Bonnett gave up the post of Officer in charge of Club Ties, Badges, etc., and this has been taken over by Mr. R. A. Moules. The Editor is to continue unchanged. The Sentinel Wagon Correspondence had been undertaken with the North Thames Gas Board who have not yet given permission to the Club to dispose of the dilapidated vehicle. Future Policy concerning Rallies There was a fairly wide discussion upon various aspects of this problem, but apart from one or two suggestions nothing concrete emerged. The Club safety rules were discussed, both from the point of view of injury to the public from ordinary accidents and from the point of view of the risk of boiler explosions. No decision was reached. Club insignia or totem was discussed and the matter referred to the Committee, the feeling being that the present "caricature" or heraldic design should be replaced by a more accurate outline. Mr. Crawley then went on to give details of the draw. Books of tickets are available for the draw of the Wallis 7 N.H.P. Expansion Engine from him, at 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. All counterfoils and remaining tickets, together with cash must be returned to Mr. Crawley by the end of May, 1958. The draw will take place at the Appleford Rally on 14th June. The business part of the Meeting closed and after an interval for refreshments Mr. Crawley very kindly entertained the company with colour slides and a colour film in two themes. The party broke up at 8.30 p.m. From the Secretary From the letters I receive I know that we have a very large number of Members who are keenly interested in the welfare of the Club. This is our
6
most important asset and with it we can have every confidence in our 1958 season. At the moment what we do need most is money. Some membership subscriptions appear to have been overlooked and I shall be pleased to receive all outstanding renewal remittances for 1957/58. There is quite a large stock of ties on hand for which Mr. R. Moules will be glad to receive orders. Can you help by buying a club tie? We have great hopes on the result of the draw for the engine so kindly given by Mr. Edney and I hope every Member will do his best to sell as many tickets as possible. Our aim is to arrange some good rallies next year and finish up with a bank balance of not less than £200. H.B.
NEWS FLASHES "Spotted at Hardwicks's of Elwell scrap yard—Foster Showman's engine and a Fowler Road Locomotive. The Foster appears in good mechanical condition and is entirely complete, although the paintwork has deteriorated. The Fowler has had a great many parts chromium plated and must have had a C.J.D. beautiful appearance in the past." "In my letter to you you were good enough to publish in the News-sheet for November 1956 I mentioned having seen a vertical-boiler roller in a yard at Dundalk. A fellow Member from the North of England wrote to say that it would have been Aveling & Porter No. 11925 (Louth County Council No. 10). When I was in Ireland again last August I was able to see this engine and confirm that it was in fact A & P No. 11925. I was told that it is still steamer occasionally, although it appeared to be in rather a dilapidated A.E.B. state." An unexploded bomb was found in the field where so many traction engine rallies have been held at Appleford. The field has recently been ploughed when the bomb came to light. The future rallies, it is understood. will be held in another though equally suitable field on Mr. Napper's farm. The 1957 Rempstone Rally donated £175 to the Royal Midland Institution for the Blind, Nottingham. Sir,—I see in your last month's issue of "Steaming". the Rev. Philip Wright says he has been sent some photos of the engine that burst at "Catley Park" in 1904. Mr. Harvey of Bolsham has let me have a photograph that was presented to the driver, who's widow gave it w him, 'ut:iiik-; ilaciested it engines. -whcn her husband died. My late father had a steam plough foreman working for him, who 12 months previously had put a new firebox in the engine. He was called to give evidence at the Court of Inquiry, I was only eight years old at the time and I went with him, yours, etc., A. L. DREWETT. Messrs. Ruston & Hornsby have recently printed a book " One Hundred Years of Good Company", the story of the firm's engineering activities, by Bernard Newman. There are said to be many references to traction engines and our Secretary has made arrangements for a few copies to be reserved for Club Members. Anyone desiring a copy should write to the firm at Lincoln, mentioning the Club and enclosing 1216d. price post free. Sayings of the Week "One must give the people every possible service, It's all well and good to show them the house and all its artistic treasures, but there is nothing wrong with installing a juke-box or a snack bar to attract visitors," The Duke of Bedford.
7
CAMBORNE RALLY Notwithstanding a bus strike and heavy showers of rain at times, the second of the West of England Steam Engine Society's rallies held at Camborne on July 20th was a singularly happy occasion and attracted a crowd of about 12.000 people. The entry consisted of 26 engines, two steam fire engines and two very large model traction engines, all of which turned up. Surely a 100 per cent attendance must be a record for any traction rally! Ten makes of traction, roller and steam wagon were represented and the field included three Burrell showman's road locomotives. Many magnificent examples of restoration were in evidence, indeed, one old steam man who had travelled 120 miles to be present remarked that he had never seen so many or such beautifully cared-for engines in one day and place. Possibly. the most spectacular engine present was Captain Hugh Dixon's 8 h.p. Burrell showman, No. 2894 "Centaur". When built in 1907 for Henry Strickland & Sons she was named "Pride of Worcester" subsequently becoming Edward VIII and, still later. "Lord Fisher" when in the ownership of Miss Sally Beach. As now restored, this is one of the most outstanding showman's engines in the country and the Camborne Rally was fortunate to have it amongst the entry at its first public appearance since restoration. As the engine is now on steels it made the 100 mile journey from Paignton on a transporter Several of the engines had come from a considerable distance under their own steam. Amongst these were Mr. W. H. Moore's magnificent 7} ton Burrell tractor, No. 3951, "Supreme", which journeyed the 90-odd miles from North Devon in nine hours actual running time. Only three of these large Burrell tractors were built and this one is believed to be the sole survivor of the type. By reason of the number and variety of engines present the Grand Parade was a most impressive spectacle. After two circuits of the arena, the engines were drawn up in line abreast, and about eight feet apart, at the far side of the field. As thus marshalled they formed a line over 400 feet in length. As soon as the crews were ready the Head Marshal raised his flag and the engines responded with a mighty whistle blast, lasting about five seconds, that must have been audible miles away! As soon as the billowing cloud of steam had drifted away the Marshal gave a further signal and the engines, travelling in unison, came across the arena like a mighty wave of steel and only halted when they were within about 30 feet of the crowd. Each eneine then turned sharp right and, in line ahead, they streamed home to the paddock at the north side of the field. The sight of so many engines ell enriving rnporher firer in line abreast and then line ahead. was extremely imposing and it made a tremendous impression on the crowd. The Camborne rallies aim to provide as great a variety of interest as is possible and this feature was again in evidence this year. Facing the main entrance was the famous 7 h.p. Burrell showman "Gladiator", a gleaming mass of brass and coloured lights. Standing by her side and driven by her dynamo was Messrs Anderton & Rowland's Grand Organ rendering music reminiscent of the fairground of long ago. At the south-western part of the field was Messrs. Anderton & Rowland's fair in operation and, though only a "side show", apparently doing a roaring business! At the north-west corner of the ground was a 100-foot marquee containing the Model Exhibition which is said to have been one of the largest displays of models ever staged in the Provinces. In this, models of traction engines were well to the fore, and most of the exhibits were operating on compressed air. Finally, at the eastern side of the field a model steam passenger carrying railway catered for enthusiasts of all ages. Indeed, this year's Camborne Rally was a feast of steam for all who delight in this form of prime mover and the success of the event is a happy
8 augury for the next rally which the West of England Steam Engine Society hope to hold in July, 1958. Entrants Burrell traction, No. 3755, Reg. No. AF 3967. "Westward Ho" Foden chain steering wagon, No. 10530, Reg. No. TA 1216 Aveling and Porter 10 ton roller, No. 10124, Reg. No. FX 8158 Ruston and Hornsby traction, No. 169167, Reg. No. IL 5452. "Queen Mary'' 3iin. to the foot free lance model of a compound traction 6in. to the foot free lance model of a single cylinder traction Burrell traction, No. 3676, Reg. No. HR 3736 Marshall 12 ton roller, No. 88056, Reg. No. DAF 560 Fowler road locomotive, No. 11029, Reg. No. AF 3541 Burrell traction, No. 2662, Reg. No. AF 3531. "Attraction" Aveling and Porter 5 ton roller, No. 5541, Reg. No. PP 581 "Bo-Peep" Marshall traction, No. 62121, Reg. No. TA 3624. "The Whale" Marshall 10 ton roller, No. 75085 Garrett tractor, No. 33353, Reg. No. BJ 4236. "Prince" Sentinel DG 4 wagon, No. 8454, Reg. No. CML 734 Fowler 12 ton roller. No. 21833, Reg. No. CRL 110 Burrell showman's road locomotive, No. 3159. Reg. No. CO 3823. "Gladiator" Wallis and 5teevens traction, No. 7614, Reg. No. AF 3456. "Sir Douglas" Burrell traction, Reg. No. ES 8351. "Panto" Robey ton tandem roller, No. 48869, Reg. No. EDV 916 Burrell traction. No. 3816, Reg. No. AF 3518. "Cornish Maid" Merryweather steam fire engine, built 1904 Burrell showman's road locomotive. No. 2651, Reg. No. AY 9840. "Challenger" Burrell road locomotive, No. 4010, Reg. No. 6888. "Empress of Cornwall" Aveling and Porter traction, No. 9096, Reg. No. AF 6001. Burrell 71 ton tractor. No. 3951. Reg. No. RL 1978. "Supreme" Robey 8 ton tandem roller, No. 42129. Reg. No. RL 75 Burrell traction, No. 3903, Reg. No. TA 1871. "Excelsior" Burrell showman's road locomotive, No. 2894, Reg. No. FK 1463. "Centaur" Merryweather steam fire engine Robey tractor, No. 41493. Reg. No. MF 3946. (Not in steam) WEALD OF KENT TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Paddock Wood Rally, 17th August, 1957 In spite of a discouraging week of showery weather the week preceding the rally, it was held as arranged, the ground proving fairly firm and benefited by the improvement in the weather on the day before the event. Out of nineteen entries, seventeen actually arrived at the ground, the particulars of these being as follows :1. Aveling and Porter Colonial Tractor No. 12186, 1928. Owned by Mr. T. Newell, Westerham. 2. Sentinel S4 wagon. 1935. Owned by Mr. J. C. Butler, Tonbridge. 3. Fowler No. 9924. 1904. Owned by Mr. R. A. Whitehead, Tonbridge. 4. Aveling and Porter Tractor No. 11997. 1928. Owned by Mr. J. Jupp, Uckfield. 5. Clayton and Shuttleworth No. 36336. 1904. Owned by Mr. M. V. Pink, Ashford. 6. Burrell No. 4019. 1925. Owned by Mr. G. S. Corkran, Hellingly. 7. Non-arrival. 8. Marshall No. 66001. 1914. Owned by Mr. V. Dunnett, London. 9. Non-arrival.
9
10. Marshall No. 73900. 1920. Roller owned by Farrants Ltd., Tunbridge Wells. 11. Aveling and Porter No. 11980. 1920. Roller owned by Mr. D. Eastwood, Horsmonden. 12. Aveling and Porter Tractor No. 6093. 1911. Also owned by Mr. Eastwood. 13. 'Garrett No. 34461. 1924. Roller owned by Mr. Eastwood. 14. Burrell No. 4081. 1928. Owned by Dr.1Green, Bexhill. 15. Wallis and Steevens. 1903. 3 Ton tractor, owned by Mr. G. J. Romanes, Uckfield. 16. Sentinel 54 Wagon. 1917. Owned by Mr. N. Nicholls, Maidstone. 17. Wallis and Steevens No. 7628. Owned by Mr. R. Page, Chiddingly. 18. Foden Wagon No. 13138. 1929. Owned by Messrs T. T. Boughton and Sons, Amersham Common. 19. Aveling and Porter No. 8097. 1910. Roller owned by Mr. R. Wickham, Brenchley. It is interesting to note that all the rollers are still in full commercial employment and that Mr. Page's traction engine is still used by him for threshing and farm haulage. The winners of the various events were as follows :Concours d'elegance (preservation)-Mr. M. V. Pink (No. 5). Ditto (commercial) -Mr. D. Eastwood (No. 11). Obstacle steering-tractions-Mr. Page (No. 17). -tractor-Mr. Romanes (No. 15). Ditto -rollers-Farrants Ltd. (No. 10). Ditto -wagons-Mr. Nicholls (No. 16). Ditt❑ Musical chairs-Mr. W. Pitcher driving Dr. (Green's Burrell. During the afternoon, demonstrations were given of backing a load (Mr. Newell and Mr, Jupp) and setting to drum (by Mr. W. Pilcher and Mr. R. Cheesman using No. 6, and by Mr. R. Page and Mr. P. Page using No. 17). Messrs. Boughton also demonstrated a winch of their own manufacture. Mr. Romanes used his tractor, GOLIATH, and a pair of trailers to give rides to the children, with a welcome addition to the rally funds. Among the officials to whom the organizers are indebted, are Messrs. H. L. ❑ rewitt, F. Pegden and J. Young (Judges), Mr. A. C. Durrant (starter), Mrs. R. A. Whitehead (timekeeper), Mr. J. Day (Paddock controller), Mr. A. Martin (commentator). Mr. W. S. Love (chief steward) and Mr. R. A. VvIliielleaci (Honorary secretary). Thanks are also due to Mr. D. Eastwood for the loan of the threshing drum and to Messrs. R. Wickham and D. H. Harding for lending materials for setting out the ground and to the latter for doing a lion's share of the erecting. In conclusion, it may be said that it took a steam roller a week to iron out the wheelmarks left on the ground WOBURN PARK RALLY The rally of rallies ! That can be the just claim of the rally's energetic organising secretary, Mr. John Crawley. The success of the rally was ensured, subject only to the weather, as a result of his putting in a very considerable amount of work over months previously. This work was duly rewarded with a very fine, warm day. During the week before the rally, engines were arriving at Woburn Park, Beth., from far and near. Many came under their ❑ wn steam, including Mr. Fearniey's Sentinel waggon from Yorkshire and Messrs. Barnett & 1-ioweti's Foden tractor from Hampshire. Others were brought on low-loaders, and it is appropriate to mention here the very great help that was given many
10
owners and drivers in off-loading operations, etc. by Mr. Fensom and his sons with their diesel tractor, using its powerful winch. Many owners were most grateful for the kind help given them. That 48 engines had been entered for the rally was proof of the mass of organising that had obviously gone on before. Of these, 43 were in steam at the rally on the day. Promptly at 2 p.m., Mr. Crawley, driving his Fowler " Kitchener," with Their Graces the Duke and Duchess of Bedford as steersman and passenger respectively, entered the arena to the deafening noise of the whistles of nearly all the engines lined up around two sides of the oblong arena. His Grace declared the rally open, whereupon " Kitchen " led all the other engines around the arena in a grand parade, As each of the 43 engines passed Mr. E. Jelly, the commentator, he gave a brief outline of its history. The events that followed were obstacle steering contests, where three engines at a time were steered winding courses up the arena snaking their way between " Castro!" oil drums set out equidistantly down three lanes in the arena and then reversing back to the starting line. Heats were run off for tractions and tractors. The ladies were not forgotten, for a Ladies' Steering contest was held. It seemed to the writer, who arranged the entries in each heat, that nearly every owner wanted either his wife or daughter to enter for this event. However, owing to the great number of engines present, it was only possible for any engine to take part in one event. I hope any displeased owner will understand the difficult task I had, and not hold it against me if his lady was unable to try her hand in this event ! Nevertheless, the ladies who did compete gave good accounts of themselves, surely proved by the applause given them by the spectators. After the events, His Grace presented four of the ladies with plastic bowls, nail brushes, towel and tablets of soap as prizes. It was hoped the owners of the engines, which these ladies steered, were not blamed thereafter for dirty hands ! Tugs-of-War between Mr. Shuttlewood's and Messrs Barnett & Howell's Foden tractors resulted in a draw, so the challenge to the winner by Messrs. Boughton's Foden waggon meant that each tractor took on the wagon. Again, the results were even. During the afternoon, Mr. Darby's Foster tractor, " Lord of the Isles " was set to his Cavioli organ and an hour's recital was given outside the arena. A new event for the rally was an egg and spoon race. Four of the large showmen's road locos. took part, namely, Fowler "Kitchener," Burrell "William V," Burrell "King George VI" and Burrell "Prince of Wales." Each steersman was given a wooden spoon, some 21 ft. long, on which he had to balance a rubber ball. At the same time as he held out the spoon and "egg" he had to steer his engine up the arena and back. If he dropped the " egg." as each steersman did several times, some more than others, the engine had to stop so that the steersman could retrieve his lost "egg." Mr. J. Hirons, the expert steersman on "King 'George VI," proved a very worthy winner. The events for the tractions, tractors and road locos.. were designed to obviate speeding, so to give the spectators an idea of the speed that certain types of steam road vehicles can travel, the two Sentinel wagons, belonging to Mr. Challand and Mr, Fearnley. were matched in a flat race with Messrs. Boughton's Foden wagon. This resulted in a very narrow win for Mr. Fearnley. The final event of the afternoon was the now familiar game of Musical Chairs, probably the most popular event of the rally. Over 30 engines returned to the arena and each time the music, from the loudspeakers around the arena stopped, one of each engine's crew ran to one of the numerous oil drums in the arena. There was one less drum than the number of engines, so that one engine was disqualified each time the music ceased. Finally. only Mr. Fensom's Marshall, "Winifred," and Mr. Clarke's Garrett, "Felsted Belle" were left in the arena. When the music ceased finally, Mr. Fensom's
'steerslady' got to the one remaining oil drum first to great applause from the spectators. A large number of members were present at this memorable rally, but those who missed it can learn the full details of all the engines that attended if they send for one of the very informative programmes. A few are still available from Mr. Crawley, 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford, price Is., post free. A brief list of the engines that attended is appended :J. Crawley's Fowler 15657, " Kitchener," road loco; J. Crawley's Burrell 3610, " William V," road loco; T. C. Fensom's Marshall 43560, " Winifred," traction; T. C. Fensom's Garrett 33991, " Patricia," tractor; R. Stanbrook's Burrell 4055, traction; H. Challand's Sentinel 9347, wagon; S. Hill's Fowler 13422, " Sunshine," ploughing engine; Messrs. Upton & Smith's Garrett 33180, " Nellie," Suffolk Punch tractor; N. L. Dickson's Burrell 3440, traction; S. A. Smith's Burrell 2319, " Finem Respice," traction; S. J. Wharton's Burrell 3489, " King George VI," road loco; A. E. Dean's Clayton & Shuttleworth 48224, " Valient," traction; Messrs. Gill & Dudman's Aveling & Porter 14162, " The Highwayman," roller; G. Main's Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies 39088, tractor; H. D. Knight's Foster 14066 tractor; H. D. Knight's Foster 14378 tractor; H. D. Knight's Foster 3682, traction; J. Bennie's Burrell 3847, traction; R. A. Well's Garrett 33219, tractor; P. Perkin's Fowler 14888, traction; H. Darby's Foster 14589, " Lord of the Isles," tractor; R. Hilton's Tasker 1709, traction; R. Capon's Fowler 11698, traction; Messrs T. T. Boughton's Foden 13138, wagon; W. H. Dorman's Aveling & Porter 7812, tractor; H. N. Castle's Burrell 3919, traction; Messrs. Eddison Plant Ltd.'s Wallis & Steevens 7889, roller; Messrs. James & Crockerell Burrell 3887, " Prince of Wales " road loco; G. IGilbert's Burrell 3984 " Dolly," traction; F. H.1Grover's Fowler 9689, traction; Dr. Elmes' Burrell 3497, " May Queen," tractor; A. C. Napper's Marshall 37690, " Old Timer," traction; Messrs. Barnett & Howell's Foden 14078, Plastow's Burrell 3718, " Lion," " Mighty Atom," tractor; Messrs. H. & tractor; G. Evans' Davey Paxman 13005, "Davy Crockett," traction; A. Clarke's Garrett 32936, " Felsted Belle," traction; L. C. Parris Burrell 4094, " King George V," traction; N. A. C. Melhuish's Wallis & Steevens 7940, roller; H. Nichol's Burrell 2536, traction; Messrs. C. & 1G. Bartrup's Burrell 4049, traction; J. Shuttlewood's Foden 13068. " Perseverence," tractor; A. Fearnley's Sentinel 9086, wagon; T. Sage's Fowler 14424, "Goliath," road loco. A. J. M. THREE EAST ANGLIAN RALLIES by Philip A. Wright The first (happily named a Steam " Festival ") took place just outside Saffron Walden on 14th June. During that week the Essex Agricultural Show had been held at Littlebury (my former parish) and five engines had stood there under steam. This helped greatly with publicity. Promoters of the Festival were Saffron Walden & Ashdon Young Farmers' Club, of which Club many years ago I was privileged to be the first Leader. Twenty-two engines arrived and the day was fine (if wet the tarmac of the old airfield would have held us). Archie Scott-Brown, the Cambridge car-racing driver, opened the Festival and demonstrated his Lister Jaguar. By contrast we had Mr. Hodson's 1900 steam car from Lavenham, Mr. Stradlings' 1904 chain-driven Siddeley from Woodford and Paul Hardings' 1908 Austin Seven. I will not enumerate the engines by name as mos' of them have appeared before. Elegance was won by Mr. J. Cliffs' Burrell with Mr. L. Parris's engine in the newer class. Musical chairs was won by Mr. A. Clarke with his Feisted Belle, and both Obstacle race and Beer in Bucket were won by Messrs. Durrant and Swan with Lord George. Miss Stubbings won the Ladies Steering. Miss Ann Cliff (Secretary of the Y.F.C.) proved a most capable organiser; she had the assistance of Charles Durrant as Ringmaster and her Club members as officials. Philip Wright did his best at the ' Blower ' and record-
ings were taken and duly broadcast by the B.B.C. on the Monday evening. An innovation was the presentation of a nice plaque to every engine owner at a second Grand Parade which so nicely rounded off the event. The East Anglian Club Rally took place on 10th July at Sudbury and once again we had a fine day. Twenty-four engines turned up, some we had not seen before. The Grand Parade was headed by Mr. E. J. Edwards with his unique Soame Steam Cart which he had driven from Norwich ! The Mayor of Sudbury opened the Rally, and there was an excellent crowd there, too. Mr. R. Pumphrey secured a special prize by bringing his engine the furthest distance by road (Duxford, Cambs.). A Tortoise race on the same lines as a slow-bicycle race was a pleasing new event and Taylor Brothers of Wimbish won it in Class I. Mr. R. Pumphrey's Ruston won Class II, and Mr. R. D. Martino's Ransome won Class III of this same event. Obstacle Races result : Class I—Durrant and Swan's Garrett ; Class II—H. V. Wells' 1894 Fowler and Class III—Stanley Smith's Marshall. Miss Cliff won the Ladies' Steering contest and Messrs. Collier and Burch carried off Musical Chairs with their 'Garrett. Lawrence Parris won the drum-setting and the after 1925 Elegance. His cousin, Harry, won the Intermediate section with another Burrell (1909) and the Veterans (up to 1900) was won by Stan Smith's Burrell. The last Saturday in July produced a lot of heavy rain at Moreton in an event which had the makings of a first-class " Smaller " Rally. The Parris family had a good deal to do with the organising of this " Steam Fayre " and with the exception of the Philip Wright Museum in the Village Hall, most of the other events were rained-off. The steam events were, however, carried on, with eleven engines competing. Charles Durrant was Ringmaster and the writer acted at the " mike." Charles Brown of Rayne won the Obstacle Race with his recently reconditioned McLaren, Miss Parris won the Ladies' Steering on Princess Royal and Charles Brown was again lucky in Musical Chairs. Every competitor was given a nice plaque again.
FOR SALE ❑ rders will be welcomed for the attractive Ties, Scarves, Vehicle and Lapel Badges of the Club at the following prices :— Club Ties ... ... 18/6 each, post free. Club Scarves or Squares ... Lapel Badges ... 3/3 „ „ „ temporarily out of stock. Car and Engine Badges 15/- for the first, and 10/- for each subsequent badge on each order, post free. All rPrnittanrac chntilrl ho marlsnnvnInIta fr% klnrinnnl Trnerin F e rho-, "CHRONICLES OF A COUNTRY WORKS': by Ronald H. Clark, Copy as new with coloured dust wrapper, unmarked. Price 55/-.
WANTED ECCENTRIC BLOCK AND STRAP AND WATER PUMP complete for McLaren 8 h.p. Traction Engine (No. 1421 ). Details please to J. Blagg, 15 Fox Road, Worksop. Notts. GOVERNOR for Fowler 8 NI-4P Class DN.1 (Convertible) or from other make, with flange to suit 44in, dia. studs on a 3in. PCD. Also blast pipe or detailed sketch of same. Apply "Steaming", Box No. 444. Advertisement rates :— £5 per page : £2.10.0 per half page. Small advertisements :2/- per line—no charge to members. Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by George Rose (Printers) Ltd., Church Road, Croydon.