Organisers have announced news of the latest exhibits that will be attending the event for the first time. The two-day family event takes place at Onslow Park, Shrewsbury on Sunday 24 August and Monday 25 August.
New Steam Engines… Society Chairman, Edward Goddard said: “In addition to the 1000 interesting exhibits being presented at our 2014 annual Rally I am especially looking forward to seeing some steam traction engines, road locomotives, and Sentinel Steam Waggons that have never been to our event before. We have a superb Yorkshire steam waggon coming that was built in 1905 which was discovered lying derelict in the Welsh hills; and which has undergone a 2 year restoration, and also a beautifully restored Sentinel steam waggon made in Shrewsbury in 1917 and which remained in service until 1970.
“‘The Badger’ a 1923 Burrell Road Locomotive is coming from Warwickshire; with this engine having enjoyed a somewhat grand lifestyle after being supplied by Penfolds of Arundel to Lord Cowdray’s estate in Sussex! It also spent considerable time at the Bodiam Steam Museum being steamed for over 30 years. The Wedgewood family are coming from the Isle of Man with a 1907 Fowler ‘Roland’; which was originally exported to Australia before returning to the UK in 2007 for significant restoration- and also a 1934 Sentinel steam waggon which spent most of its’ working life around Liverpool docks.
“The other ‘new to the Rally’ exhibits include a 1930 Marshall portable; a 1930 Fowler steam engine which was sold to the well-known Tanners of Caersws before preservation by Frank Holl of Worcestershire; and a 1934 Sentinel steam waggon originally from Gordon Granaries of Banff, Scotland which is coming from Oldham in Lancashire.”
Edward Goddard continued: “One of the world’s first ever ‘rigid 8-wheeler Sentinel DG8 Steam Waggon will be returning to its’ home town- Shrewsbury for the first time since its manufacture in August 1929. The 9 ½ton steam waggon, registered UX5355, with Works Number 8016 will be taken by its owners Richard and Kay Straughan for an emotional photocall in front of the famous Sentinel Knight’ at the old Sentinel Works on Whitchurch Road, Shrewsbury.
Other exhibits making their debut include a Hay Elevator; and a Gaudin 98-Key Organ, plus a rare Albion A10 Troop & Goods Carrier.
Ben Kaye, the Rally’s Military Vehicle Section Secretary has announced that a 1916 Albion A10 War Department Troop & Goods Carrier, is a new exhibit amongst his military vehicle section. The Albion is a solid tyre, chain drive vehicle; and the only one of three that still survive in their original War Department livery from an original 6000 that were built.
Committee Member, Nick Onions said: “We will have a unique Loose Hay Elevator built by Carter Bros of Billingshurst and driven by a Lister D engine. It was found in 2013 in an old cart shed where it had stood unused for sixty years! Only a small amount of work was required to bring it back to life. It was built in the early 1940’s and this is a first time exhibit at Onslow Park. Owned and restored by Matt Bradbury of Tallarn Green, Malpas, Cheshire.”
A Gaudin 98 Key Organ, built as a 98 key concert organ circa 1930s; purchased by George Parmley (Show Organ Society) in 1966 and partly restored is another new exhibit. In 2006 a second rebuild took place by Norman Smith and Alan Curry. It was purchased by the present owner Alan Couldwell, Killamarsh, Sheffield in 2013 along with the Scania towing unit and the name of ‘The Show Organ Society’. It will be operated at the Rally by Mr Brian Kellet.
The Rally promises to be a dazzling and colourful showpiece of engineering excellence. We will have what we consider to be the best UK vintage vehicle event of the year; which will include working steam engines from the golden era of steam, and some superb classic vehicles ‘from days gone by’ with all entrants invited to be in period costume. The annual celebration of steam is an emotional and highly-popular event, providing a traditional, patriotic and memorable highlight of the Rally… a really magnificent spectacle that thrills our visitors each year.”
The family-friendly event provides some excellent entertainment with a full Arena Programme on both days. Satnav reference: SY3 5EE. Licensed Bar & Catering. Free Car Parking.
Entry: Adult: £12, Pensioner: £11, Child: £1. Under 5’s – Free.
Full information from www.shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk
Shropshire Live is regulated by 