60th Cornish Steam & Country Fair - WESES

[jvenning]

The 60th Annual Cornish Steam & Country Fair this weekend at Stithians, Cornwall.
A total of 51 full-size steam engines mentioned within the program with some nice new examples to be seen - i.e. Burrell 4060 'Pride of Newquay' and Burrell 3031 'Gracey', currently shown as part-built and being restored by Sam Henwood. A work-in-progress 6" Robey, No.4 was also on display.
Altogether a great selection of engines and the safety's on the 1913 Keck Gonnerman were sure to give many a visitor a shock or two! Great to catch up with some familiar faces and congratulations to WESES for 60 glorious years.
































Joe Chamberlain lifting the cylinder block of Burrell 3031 'Gracey' alongside Fowler 18075 'Britannia'.

[Steam Scenes]

Where else do you get to see steam engine hook-a-duck?



I thought the rally had a much improved atmosphere this year over the past two, a transformed event, and busy - 4 or 5 deep at the arena during the steam parade. Well done to those involved for much hard work.

[International Steam]

Unrecognisable from the reports I had read. The enthusiasm of everyone involved was noticeable, it seemed sometimes that engines were queuing up to take their turn taking the punters round the circuit. I was very pleased to see four portables up and running too. An excellent day out and well worth the long journey down from Gloucestershire.

[avelingporter]

Big thank you to Adrian and the WESES team who put on a great weekend. We had a great time all week and despite the heavy and persistent rain on the road run, the rally went ahead as planned in bright sunshine. A great demonstration to all of the durability of the Stithian's site. Most other rallies would have been waterlogged into a mud bath before the start, GDSF last year springs to mind.

Brilliant atmosphere and we were made to feel very welcome all week. Well done to all, recommend the trip down to Cornwall for anyone considering travelling from up country with an engine or just as a visitor.

Douglas and the QV crew.

[teamloxleyracing]

I had a great time down there! And it was well organised fun event so congratulations to the team organising. I also want to thank Black Jim for having me help on the engine again, and with some good tuition with general engine care and driving for the first time.

[benz1890]

Jason and myself had an excellent time. We were made very welcome from a nice friendly bunch of people.
Many thanks to all. Mike

[00000]

Best one they've had there for years.

[chris s type]

Great event, well organised and good fun, the show site proved itself after the rain storm on Thursday,
and lots of people through the gate.
All the engine owners and crews there all had big smiles on there faces all weekend, and those local engine owners who didn't bring them missed out on a great time.
Chris

[3816]

Originally Posted by chris s type

Great event, well organised and good fun, the show site proved itself after the rain storm on Thursday,
and lots of people through the gate.
All the engine owners and crews there all had big smiles on there faces all weekend, and those local engine owners who didn't bring them missed out on a great time.
Chris

Depends what you call a "great time" Chris !!

[4040]

Originally Posted by 3816

Depends what you call a "great time" Chris !!

Steve, thats a good question

For some, like this event, we are trying to put on a nice relaxed enjoyable event where exhibitors can pretty much do as they like

It's now one where you don't have to see the minority going out with loads of bags of coal while you go home with none, that in itself has improved things immensely. Likewise you won't go short of coal if you should happen to enjoy using your engine towing trailers etc

We also have the water situation well sorted, unlike some

Admittedly I don't have the funds to cover all expenses as some would like. You just wouldn't believe what some people expect these days, e.g. like paying for their days off work, all transport costs etc, the list goes on

I know some of my exhibitors this year subsidised their transport for which I am grateful. From the feedback I have received they are glad they came

I guess if anyone want's to make a profit from an event, this wouldn't be the best one to go to

I'm also very grateful for all the positive comments about the event posted above, I think it speaks for itself and It shows we are heading in the right direction for the majority

A very big thank you to everyone who came along and supported us