Steam Fairs and all that jazz
1956 Daf YA 126 Dutch Army Weapons CarrierOur son-in-law, Paul, husband to our eldest daughter, Gillian, has always been interested in things mechanical. He arrived for their wedding in Langton Long on the back of a three-wheeled motorbike, a trike.
All Saints', Langton LongWhen they first met, they each had a white MGB sports car, lovely cars, but money pits. Over the ensuing thirty-odd years they have owned a succession of cars, but Paul has always hankered after something he could tinker with. Eventually, he acquired a 1956 Daf YA 126 Dutch Army Weapons Carrier. He then painted a caravan to match and he and Gillian set out gleefully to continue attending steam fairs, or rallies, as they’re more commonly called.
Steam rallies are held across the country in the summer months. Paul and Gillian travel in convoy, a very small convoy of two rigs. The first rig, driven by their friend, John, flies a blue flag. I don’t know whether it has the words ‘convoy follows’ in the required military fashion. Paul’s rig bears the green flag of the rear vehicle. They proceed at a stately 40 mph.
On arrival at the rally ground, they park at their allotted spot. Sometimes, the ground is rock hard and at others it resembles a bog, which leads to interesting challenges when it’s time to leave.
Steam fairs are compelling events. At them you will see historic steam-driven fairground machines, traction engines, steam rollers and even steam cars.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Following a thorough review of the 2022 show, it is with great sadness and disappointment that the Great Dorset Steam Fair Ltd Board of Directors have to announce that unfortunately we will be taking a year’s break before running the next Great Dorset Steam Fair event, which will now be held over the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2024 (subject to confirmation).
This has been an extremely difficult decision for us to make. Whilst the 2022 event has been a fantastic and resounding success as a spectacle, it has been mired by significant and spiralling increases in contractor and infrastructure costs and the costs associated with meeting the necessary regulatory and statutory compliance which are commensurate with operating such a large-scale event. In short, as a big show we have big costs, costs which have risen disproportionately this year and, crucially, are very difficult to forecast for next year in the current economic climate.
The event industry as a whole is still feeling the harsh financial repercussions of the COVID-19 Pandemic, which together with the aftermath of Brexit and the war in Ukraine, has seen significant increases in staff, contractor, fuel, transport, material and equipment hire prices. The likelihood is that event costs will continue to rise in 2023, compounded by the emergence of the cost of living crisis which will undoubtedly affect consumer confidence and spending in the event industry next year.
Whilst we appreciate that this will come as a surprise to many, given the success of the 2022 event, as organisers of a large scale major event we are acutely aware of the financial unknowns moving into 2023 with further cost increases likely and our regular customers, exhibitors and traders also feeling the financial squeeze. With the ongoing economic situation, the rise in inflation and the cost of living crisis, the reality is that it would be financially challenging for us to run the event in 2023. It is not prudent or sensible to hold the show next year and in order to safeguard and preserve the future of the Great Dorset Steam Fair, we believe this to be the right decision to enable us to continue to run a high-quality event in 2024 and beyond.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support.
Such steam events are very popular here but I don't know anything about how the events are funded. It's a pity it has been cancelled but perhaps better and bigger next year.
ReplyDeleteIt's a big attraction but I don't think the locals will mind having a year off the disruption!
DeleteIf I saw those vehicles on the road I'd think the Army was coming to town. I don't go to such affairs, but I don't mind reading about them.
ReplyDeleteThey're interesting to read about but I don't go to them. I don't like crowds.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice - we have a steam-roller fair et al about 7 miles north of Eastbourne ... and there are always rollers gathering a clan. This looks great while the clip has one of my favourite songs attached to it... Excellent for Paul - looks to be fun and he must be so chuffed to have achieved this amazing looking machine ... loved the post - thank you ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHe is very pleased with it and. as with all things he does. it's finished to a high standard.
DeleteI hope that they do manage to organise a show, next year. It would be a shame if it’s allowed to lapse, especially for the enthusiasts, even though the locals aren’t so keen!
ReplyDeleteHave a good day! 😁
It's a terrific meeting place for enthusiasts.
DeleteHaHa! And guess where this 'superstar' lives...???
ReplyDeleteYes! Langton Long, Blandford...Just down the road,
200yrs from All Saints Church....!
In fact back in 1980, l became a single parent..my
daughter then four years old...my then first 'will'
stated l wanted a burial in 'All Saints' church'....
Pink coffin..etc..etc...(things have changed since
then)...besides the graveyard is quite full now, and
not maintained that well...! :(
And of course we ALL know of the Great Dorset Steam
Fair...largest steam fair in the world...l used to go some
twenty years ago, have'nt bothered since, once you've
seen one.....
HeHe! "If you see this in front of you, please be patient".
If you see it behind you..."Put yer foot down"..! :).
🌱💛🌱💛🌱💛🌱💛🌱 🌱💛🌱💛🌱💛🌱💛🌱
Small world!
DeleteAll Saints' Langton Long looks rural, green and tranquil - just how I like it :) The Dutch Army Weapons Carrier and rallies sound modern and mechanical - just how most young men would love!
ReplyDeleteIt's small, Victorian and quite charming.
DeleteOops, Hels
ReplyDeleteI have seen these vehicules in Eastbourne and also the airshow. I don't like all this military stuff. When I was young we put flowers on tanks and military vehiclels. Peace and Love !!
ReplyDeleteFlowers don't stop evil people, sadly.
DeleteI had no idea these were a thing ... Even if it's not exactly my cup of tea, it still saddens me that the event was cancelled. xxx
ReplyDeleteIt will have disappointed many people, though the locals will be relieved.
ReplyDelete