Gallery: Thousands marvel at steamy event
MORE than 5,000 people flocked to a fantastic steam-driven show in Suffolk over the weekend as hundreds of historic engines roared into life.
Elliot Furniss
MORE than 5,000 people flocked to a fantastic steam-driven show in Suffolk over the weekend as hundreds of historic engines roared into life.
The Woolpit steam rally has been held for more than 20 years and always proves popular with the general public as well as fans of vintage engines, tractors and vehicles.
Organised by brothers Gerald, David and Andrew Seeley and a small team of dedicated steam enthusiasts, the show is not actually held in Woolpit but three miles away in the village of Wetherden, near Stowmarket.
Gerald Seeley said that as usual, the organisers got an enthusiastic response from the owners of the many machines that featured in the show after arriving in Suffolk from around the country.
He said: “We had a very, very positive response. They all say 'what a wonderful show' as they leave and ask to be invited back next year.
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“There was a really overwhelming atmosphere this year. We had in excess of 5,000 people over the weekend and we will give all the proceeds to local charities that help people.
“There are one or two cups that are fiercely competed for. We had the G Seeley Trophy for the slow steam engine race - that's the one that gets across the arena last - and that was won by Natel Taylor with his Wallis and Stevens engine named Faith.
“Then there's the E Rand Cup for best in show, won by Mr Thorpe fro Long Sutton with his Little Jumbo engine.”
Mr Seeley said the weekend had exceeded all expectations and been the best show ever, with plans for the 2010 event already in full swing.
