Originally Posted by Tubby Cat (Post 28030)

Hey all, I've posted some pictures of the Cheshire Steam Fair on my photopics website:

http://craigbennett.photobook.org.uk/c1548046.html

Have a look, if you can help me with any missing or incorrect information to go with any photograph then I am grateful.

Anyone recognise themselves in the pictures, feel free to say Hi and introduce yourself. Wasn't at the show overly long owing to other commitments so didn't get to take pictures of everything.. but was good to see some long missed friends including Mr Lythgoe's 89-key Marenghi :)

Sam, am I right in thinking you were lucky enough to be presenting this on Mr Lythgoe's behalf?

Dave, the Tasker is "The Horse's Friend", a Little Giant and was purchased (new i believe, someone please correct me if I'm wrong) by two benefactors and donated to the RSPCA to assist the horses pulling heavy carts up Ludgate Hill in London. The engine was (still is?) looked after by Johnsons's of Banks and has been for many years. I think i first saw it in about 1975 when i was but a wee toddler, and I'm 95% sure that it had a canopy at that time. However the next time i remember seeing it, there was no cab and I now wonder whether I imagined it lol. Maybe someone could confirm whether it is still owned by RSPCA or whether it is property of Johnsons, or even someone else.

Hope my limited info helps you Dave? :)

Originally Posted by Tubby Cat (Post 28030)

Dave, the Tasker is "The Horse's Friend", a Little Giant and was purchased (new i believe, someone please correct me if I'm wrong) by two benefactors and donated to the RSPCA to assist the horses pulling heavy carts up Ludgate Hill in London. The engine was (still is?) looked after by Johnsons's of Banks and has been for many years. I think i first saw it in about 1975 when i was but a wee toddler, and I'm 95% sure that it had a canopy at that time. However the next time i remember seeing it, there was no cab and I now wonder whether I imagined it lol. Maybe someone could confirm whether it is still owned by RSPCA or whether it is property of Johnsons, or even someone else.

Hope my limited info helps you Dave? :)

Originally Posted by 8_10 Brass Cleaner (Post 28210)

'The Horses Friend' is owned by the Moores family from Liverpool, and as you say has been looked after by Johnsons for many years. The cab is still with her but not fitted

Originally Posted by buzzy bee (Post 28195)

Hi

Very good of you! Cheers

Dave

Originally Posted by Basil (Post 28194)

Hi Tubby Cat, just looked at your web site, guess your not a fan of rollers then
LOL Basil

Originally Posted by Tubby Cat (Post 28030)

Sam, am I right in thinking you were lucky enough to be presenting this on Mr Lythgoe's behalf?

Originally Posted by Fowlers are the best (Post 28415)

Sure was.

I've had a look through your website - very good pictures - but you seem to have forgotten Fowler 14862 'Evening Star' :(

Sam.

Originally Posted by Tubby Cat (Post 28322)

I've also found some information to question my Ludgate Hill reference, I found an old rally programme, (always a source of 100% accurate information as we all know hehe), which quoted the engine as working in the crystal palace area, not the City, Does anyone know for sure? I'd also love to know how the system worked, whether carters were charged to use the engine, or quite what! If anyone knows more about the specifics of how the engine was used, i think it would be most interesting. Any ideas anyone?

Originally Posted by Earl Kitchener (Post 28531)

I think it was Annerley Hill just by Crystal Palace Park. The donors were two old maiden ladies (sisters?) distressed at seeing the state draught horses were in by the time they reached the spot. Apparently when the engine was in steam regular horses simply stopped at the bottom of the hill refused to go on and waited to be assisted!