PRESS RELEASE 2nd September 2016
This September, 16th – 18th, Old Warden Park in Bedfordshire is set to host the biggest event in the history of the Bedfordshire Steam Engine Preservation Society. This year is special for the Society, being 60 years since it was founded by the late John Crawley and a team of dedicated enthusiasts. The Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre has become a well-established event in Old Warden Park since the move there in 1996, with this year marking the Society’s 58th Annual Rally.
To mark the big Anniversary the Committee decided to mark the occasion with a Showman’s Road Locomotive Special, where we are bringing together some magnificent examples of these engines from a range of manufacturers, showcasing some of the biggest engines built for use on the fairgrounds. Entered for the event are 35 Showman’s Road Locomotives which will be joined by a selection of 15 other Showman’s engines and tractors. The highlight for many will be the appearance of 11 Burrell Scenic’s, 3 Fowler Super Lion’s and the impressive Foster “The Leader”. These will be joined by other examples from all over the country, many of which have not attended the event before and a great line up of scale replicas from the miniature steam section.
The steam section has grown to over 170 exhibits this year with the special, and has some new other exhibits on show including Fowler Road Locomotive “Foremost”, Fowler “Black Jack” from the Boughton trust out for the first time in 16 years, and Rob Sharp’s Wallis and Steevens Roller No. 7844. This year 10 of the engines on show were built pre 1900 showing a good contrast to the three “new build” steam wagons built for fun. Several of the engines on site will be with stable mates from their working days, including 6 engines that once worked for the West Country firm of Anderton & Rowland.
For vintage fairground enthusiasts there is a change in the line-up this year including a set of steam gallopers, and a good range of fairground organs, including a welcome return to the Marenghi “Wonderland” and the large Gavioli “Munich Oktoberfest”.
There will once again be some site layout changes following the positive response to last years move around, so keep your eyes peeled when looking around. The popular Play Pen will return, with the chance for exhibits to show what they can do.
An action packed arena will feature the Welsh Axe Racing Team, The English School of Falconry, Heavy Horses and David Seamark with his fantastic Sheepdog display in addition to the parades of exhibits. A varied working area will display Steam Wood Sawing, Threshing and Stone Crushing, along with displays of milling and other agricultural equipment.
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