Bill Target memorial steam rally

[Miss wizz]

I'll kick off the reports then!
Well for a start, thanks to the organisers especialy Dave Freemantle, Bob Millard and Fred Sparks for a fantastic rally!
Saturday was a bit slow to start, cloudy an cold but the rain held off. And combined with the FA cup (welldone Portsmouth) there wasn't much public around. But as usual, we still had loads of fun in the area with the steam games. Was awesome seeing a Foden doing a powerslide for the finish!
Sunday was a bright start an was warm all day. Everyone was well hungover from the Maggots appearance the previous evening. More public was around and much higher spirits too. Dave Cleal regained his title as winner of the steam games but no more power sliding Fodens, although HMS Sultan tried very hard!
Not sure what the final engine count was but it must have been well into the thirties. Couple of first timers too including Fowell 108 'Cromwell'.
Two Showmans were found outside the Beer tent at all times. Mr Coles Burrell Scenic and Mr Mayhew's Burell GM 'May Queen'
Fodens were well represented with 3 Foden wagons and the Foden Thrasher. But as usual it was a wonderful mix and range of engines.
However, yet again the engines were shoe-horned into a very small space at the back of the field. Apart from that I have no complaints!
Special thanks to Dave Price for looking after me this weekend.

Looking forward to next year already!
Love n hugs
x

[steaming my way]

Malcolm's Garrett tractor 33782 "Dorothy" at the local pub

Dans Fowler roller 19045 also at the local pub with Dan on the footplate

[steaming my way]

Fowler traction engine 13140 "Volunteer"

Dan will no why you don't buy a fowler motor roller

[petergoesrock]

Now's as good a time as any to post a review I suppose!!

At about 4am on Saturday the forecast for torrential rain had changed to possibility of showers, so when the family finally stirred I persuaded them that we should go that day.

The site was nice and easy to find, always a good start for your first visit. The entry fee is very reasonable as well. The site is well laid out, although I felt the engines were rather tucked in a corner with only one way in and out which was in the middle. I was very impressed by the quantity and variety of engines there. The parade of the engines to the arena was great to watch, just a shame they lined them all up facing the wall of caravans on the top side, would of been much better for the viewing public to have them facing them.

I have to agree that the engine games were great to watch, and the sliding Foden was unexpected, and I never saw an engine move so fast, even if it was a miniature!

My only real gripe was the number of cars going around the site, it's not something I like

Thanks to Wizz for recommending it, a good start to the year for us, and I promise Wizz, I'll bring muffins to the next one!

Peter

[Fowler_19045]

Originally Posted by steaming my way

Dan will no why you don't buy a fowler motor roller

Pardon, speak up. I still have my ear muffs on!!!


Dan

[The Engineer]

[QUOTE=steaming my way;20694]Fowler traction engine 13140 "Volunteer"


Good pic of the wood sawing.

While I'm here, a big thankyou to all the lads that helped us out over the weekend. It's much appreciated.

[wseward]

We had a very enjoyable weekend, to see some of the photos we took click on the link below.
http://www.steamandcountrycam.co.uk/...-2008/opus/52/

[Dick Turpin]

This rally is one of the few left with that relaxed feel about it. The 'steamer games' with time trials now the standard event, amazing fun, we even had Earl Beatty have a go Sunday. When she pulled away the smoke effects were something else!

Had to laugh, and agree with the man on the Tanoy, who pointed out we were having such fun because we ARE NOT affilliated with the NTET!

Hopefully we should be able to make a decent donation to the Wessex cancer trust this year. Anyone who fancies helping out at next years rally are most welcome, Dave is still loading people home as we speak.

For more details PM me.

Bob Millard

[Miss wizz]

You broke my heart when you turned up with no muffins!

Love n hugs
x

[Miss wizz]

Message from Avelingporter.

He's away on business this week but asked me to voice his concens about the lack of TTers at the rally! We counted 5 of us!!! This is a very poor turn out and expect to see twice as many next year please.
He also thoroughly enjoyed the rally and is looking forward to next year.

Regs
Wizz