Shrewsbury Steam Rally, Onslow Park 2011
The County of Salop Steam Engine Society Ltd., celebrated its 50th
anniversary in style over the 28th/29th August with
104 steam engines plus 7 steam cars and 18 miniatures registered. A fine
souvenir programme was produced containing the history of the society from
its formation in 1961, when it held its first rally in Church Stretton.
Reading through this, in 1965 Dick Woolley took his pair of Fowler AA
ploughing engines and gave a steam ploughing demonstration on the cricket
pitch. Unfortunately, he had the plough dig in and turn over a nice turf in
the middle of the pitch which did not amuse the cricket club.
A new home was found at Bishop’s Castle in 1970, then Walcott Park in 1991,
and finally Onslow Park in 1994. The following year saw the introduction of
the working field which has become a huge success in its own right.
A 25 mile road run from Bishop’s Castle to the rally field was held on
Friday 26th and over 50 engines participated. Andrew Melrose set
off early in his Fowler PE no. 1368 “Margaret” of 1870 followed a little
later by Guy and Hal Debes with their Fowler PE no. 2528 “The Chief” of 1875
complete with a trailer load of logs! David Shelmerdine with his 1919 BB1
“Tiger” made it three. Jonathan Garman’s Garrett, Michael Davies’ road loco
“Jo” and David Williams’ TE2 also made the distance.
Five ploughing engines were present for the two day rally – Mark Jones with
his K7 “Linkey”, David Williams’ BB1 “Johnny” driven by Steve Philips, the
above pair of singles and “Tiger”. It was a disappointment to discover that
it was not possible at the last minute to use a large field for ploughing and
cultivating. The engines were left with just a
narrow strip of land adjacent to the vintage tractor area. Ploughing was not
possible, so the engines took turns to cultivate the strip many times over
and otherwise engaged themselves in endeavours elsewhere.
BB1 15332 Johnny
Preparing for work
John & Paul Spickernell on Jon Garman's 11/13 tyne heavy
cultivator
Robin Webb and Jon Garman
This cultivator has been changed to allow direct haulage. This was a
common modification to allow use with a crawler etc.
