Gloucestershire's best steam and old vehicle event proved so popular last year that it has moved to a new, larger venue for 2008 – Cheltenham Racecourse. Taking place over the weekend of 11 and 12 October, the GWR Steam and Vintage Rally has abundant attractions for all the family. There will be traction engines, showman's engines and steam engines; classic cars, buses and motorcycles; vintage lorries, tractors and a fun fair; military vehicles, emergency vehicles and caravans.
The main arena will host non-stop demonstrations and parades and there will be ploughing, stonemasonry and farriery. In addition, the GWR Steam and Vintage Rally will have craft and trade stalls, a model tent and a refreshments marquee. Visitors can even arrive at and depart from the rally by steam train, as the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWR) will be operating a special service departing from and returning to Toddington (see
http://www.gwsr.com for timetable).
This will be the 23rd GWR Steam and Vintage Rally. After a break of four years, it ran in 2007 and was such a success that the organisers chose the larger venue of Cheltenham Racecourse for 2008. The Racecourse has many advantages – there is plenty of space, excellent facilities (whatever the weather), lots of parking and the adjoining fields can be used for working demonstrations.
Although the GWR Steam and Vintage Rally encompasses a wide range of interests, the steam vehicles are the main attraction of the event. Steam section leaders, Matt and Rachel Shipton, say: "As engine owners ourselves, we want to educate people to take an interest in the steam movement, to ensure it survives through generations to come. The fun, informal atmosphere shows off the owners' personalities! The sense of humour and enjoyment of the custodians rubs off on the public, which is what a steam rally should be about.”
Among the many historic traction engines will be Pride of the Walk, a Robey vehicle which will be 100 years old. It is the only single-cylinder, of this make in England. Steamrollers will include an 1899 Aveling & Porter, which was purchased as scrap and has taken 33 years to restore.
Other highlights among display vehicles will include Bedford coaches and Bristol buses (2008 is the 100th anniversary of when the first Bristol bus entered service), a collection of vintage caravans dating from 1940 and a fantastic array of classic cars including a 1936 Lanchester 18 - one of only two known, the other being built for King George VI. Fitted with Lanchester sports saloon coachwork, and powered by a 6 cylinder 2500cc engine. Also of special interest is a 1975 BLMC Mini 1000, originally used as publicity car for the BLMC, and bought by the current owner’s father in 1976 when it featured in a television advert.
Members of the public can judge the display vehicles for themselves and influence who wins the Kath Greening Memorial Trophy for the Best in Show and the winners of prizes for Best in Section.
Admission information
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Steam and Vintage Rally at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October.
Opening times: 9.30am – 4.30pm each day
Admission:
Adults £6.00, Senior Citizens £5.00
Children between 5 & 15 years £3.00 (2 adults and up to 3 children) £15.00
Steam trains to and from Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse (timetable available at
http://www.gwsr.com)
Adult combined ticket with return GWR Steam train to and from Toddington and the Racecourse £17.00
Disabled car park access
Camping available
Notes for editors:
The GWR is an all-volunteer steam and diesel heritage railway in the English Cotswolds. Since 1981, the volunteers have restored more than 10 miles of line, together with platforms, buildings, steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock. In addition to a scheduled service, the GWR hosts a number of galas, enthusiasts’ events and events for all the family throughout the year, including its popular Santa Specials, Paddington Bear, Fish and Chips specials and dining trains.
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