And a barrel at the least.... I think the bulk of the boiler is more-or-less assembled now.

some good photos there

Do you know if this engine is now running. I belive it is the engine I used to help out with when I was a child ?

The last pictures on steam scenes are from 2003 at the Rushden Cavalcade.

Thanks

This is one rally that really does need to come back to our calenders!

Does anyone know why it stopped, or is it complicated politics ?

I was told it was locals complaining about 'over use' of the site as they hold car boots on it as well.

Sad though as it was a good rally

I also heard that traders were starting to gripe about increasing costs and (with the crash looming) the public not spending.

I would rather say it was through the fact that the Middleton family virtually single handedly operated the whole rally with a few assistants. Holcot was slowly growing and I don't think they could get more assistance in the setting up and pull down of the show, plus they're farmers and they had the harvest to consider.

It is a shame that it has gone from the calender, I know many of the exhibitors that used to attend would gladly attend again as they really did enjoy the show. So all we can do is hope that at some time in the future, they decide to open the gates once more.

It was hands down my favourite event of the year. Bit like GDSF with all the working exhibits but without the hassle that goes with Dorset. I think we went every year, It grew from less than 10 engines to a sizable event and they could have grown it further I should have thought if they wanted to.

It would be good to have it back but it shows what is possible with a good site, nice mix of exhibits and enthusiastic organisers.