Chelford
& Steam Engine Rally
(Part
II)
Return
to Part I
Not lost on the way to Iraq,
but with that machine gun mounted on it this WWII Willy's Jeep
looks ready to blast its way out of the car-park.
In number at least equal
to the vehicles are the rows of small steam and combustion engines
being exhibited driving machines of various application but pumps
and generators predominant.
...
Almost by definition all
the exhibitors are enthusiasts, but some are more engrossed in
the proceedings than others! All that excitement can be tiring,
can't it?
Private cars were lined
up prior to their turn in the show-ring for judging. This flared
finned glistening scarlet Chrysler of about 1960 was the most
immediately eye-catching.
This 'Bugatti', a hand-built
replica, was to me the most interesting.
Apart from the show-ring
and adding to the fairground atmosphere were numerous steam or
otherwise driven show organs in various degrees of ornate decoration.
One obligingly left open
the access door to allow inspection of the punch-card 'brain'
of the mechanism that brings in the various instruments where
required.
An extensive 'village' of
caravans and tents had grown on the site for this weekend and
it provided, as we can see, other havens for 'over-excited' enthusiasts.
I was far from being the
only one there wielding a camera with intent. This guy was similarly
far from being alone in wishing to capture the event in sound
and motion.
...
As well as the auction there
were various stalls with items for sale: a collection of antique
petrol cans, or a selection of vintage oil-cans ('one careful
owner'?) ...
...
... more eclectic mixes
of 'desirable' objects could include items like this 5hp Crossley
pump at £900. Ideal as an introduction to this arcane world?
"Hmmm! I wonder if
she'd mind if I got another one?" ...
... Hmm, she probably would
if it was as big as this! The steam traction engine, while replacing
the horse also accomplished much more than a horse could be expected
to do. Such as drive ancillary equipment like this. (What is it
though? A baling machine?)
Eventually the steam traction
engine metamorphosed into the agricultural tractor. Here, by far
the largest class of vehicles entered for the show, the colourful
procession of tractors is making its slow progress into the show-ring.
Further away from the show-ring
and beyond the temporary village, Astle Hall holds itself aloof
from the noise and the bustle of the event ...
... and the small mere,
here photographed from the showground area, is a haven of peace
and tranquillity.
And up in the village they
were having their own excitement at the cricket club. A wicket
has just fallen and the batsman is walking.
Unlike the cricket field,
however, no excitement in this potato field across the road.
At the railway station,
the nucleus of 'new' Chelford, there's occasional interest, but
hardly excitement, with the passage of the trains.
But what's this in this
field over the road but by the railway line? Could it be a crop
circle? Are Aliens infiltrating Chelford?
This may be the last
word! (Sorry about that! :o)
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