Spectacular steam rally with vintage vehicles and crafts to return
 

SPECTACULAR STEAM RALLY WITH VINTAGE VEHICLES AND CRAFTS TO RETURN TO
SUFFOLK

Woolpit Steam Rally returns to Warren Farm, Wetherden, near
Stowmarket, on the weekend of May 31 and June 1.

Organisers are expecting around 20 pre-1930s tractors to be on
display, along with about 70 from pre-1965 and around 80 stationary
engines - with several more than 100 years old.

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Last year the event raised £27k for local charities and community
groups - bringing the total it has raised to date to more than £355k.
Despite boggy conditions in the run-up, ORGANISERS WERE DELIGHTED AT
ATTENDANCE OF ABOUT 5K ON BOTH DAYS.

The event - which takes place on land owned by Woolpit farmers Bob
and Trish Baker of R&P Baker - is organised by brothers David and
Gerald Seeley and is renowned for its pre-1930 tractor display
rivalling many of the largest shows in the country.

They described last year's event as "an incredible success" and
thanked those who supported it.

The rally relies on support from local businesses, sponsors, stewards
and helpers.

"We are already being offered some very rare, interesting and historic
exhibits, and it is this desire to present to the public such unusual
machinery which makes Woolpit Steam different from many other shows,"
said the brothers.

"This encourages the true enthusiast to travel from all parts of the
country but equally captures the imagination of the casual visitor.

Many of the stationary engines on display will be demonstrating their
original purpose as they drive an array of mills, pumps, dynamos and
other machinery.

Exhibits include a Bamford line shafting display where one engine is
powering multiple machines for preparing feed for livestock.

A wood sawing display containing examples of steam, tractor and
stationary engine-driven saws will be producing planks, posts and
firewood.

A vintage earthmoving demonstration at the show has has proved
"extremely popular", said organisers.

Other exhibits include full-size steam engines including examples of
showman's engines, agricultural engines and a portable engine designed
to be towed between jobs.

There will also be collections of vintage cars, motorcycles,
commercial and military vehicles on display and a full ring programme
on both days.

More than 50 craft, trade and auto jumble stalls will feature an array
of goods and gifts. There are also hot and cold food, licensed bar
and ice creams.

Mike Rule and his ever-popular Steam Gallopers and big wheel which
will off a bird’s eye view of the show and Punch & Judy will be
entertaining children and families.

Gates are open from 9am to 5pm both days. Admission for adults is £8
on Saturday and £9 Sunday with children's entry £2 on either day -
cash only with no card payments.

Car parking is free and the show - at Warren Farm, Wetherden, IP14 3J
- is accessible from Junction 47a on the A14 eastbound, or Junction