One thing that always surprises me about the Walpole rally as that the commercial section always seems to throw up something new, either a new restoration, a new acquisition or just something different. This year was no exception with at least two new restorations, Jack Richard’s Bedford S-type, originally a rare Civil Defence Bikini unit, and Cyril Metson’s Austin Gipsy breakdown unit, originally a fire-engine with Cornwall. Also new on the local scene as a 1950 Morris FV, maybe with a new fleet owner over in Lincolnshire?

The steam section had a slightly more diverse mix of engines this year with more traction engines interspersed amongst the rollers, plus the Foden steam lorry and a number of scale models and miniatures. Waling’s Chiappa organ provided some entertainment at this end of the field.

Alongside the tractors displays was a Foster of Lincoln threshing drum and attendant jackstraw powered by a Fordson Major. Also on display was the International pairing of Titan 10-20 and binder. The Cletrac crawler and Massey Harris from the Carson-Beba stable caught the eye, but so also did the classic Belarus. Several tractors had some very nice implements attached, which always adds to the interest. The Wakefield collection of horticultural bygones had a prominent position close to the ring entrance with the rest of the little tractors lined up alongside.

The cars were very similar to what’s been seen at other local events so far this summer, but one outfit of Ford Corsair and matching Eriba Puck caravan has given Dad the idea of maybe moving into the classic caravan section with his similar Eriba Touring once he gets too old to lug his engines or garden tractors about. However, at the age of 84, there doesn’t seem to be much sign of that yet!

The stationary engine again echoed some other local rallies’ displays with most people, myself included, taking out the same engines for a series of events. In our defence, it saves time on loading and unloading for each weekend. A very nice water-cooled Petter W1H was spot-on the money, changing hands from one side of Norfolk to the other, sadly the cash wasn’t available this weekend to add it to my collection, although it’s a model I’ve long been looking for in hopper form.

The number of trade stands seemed roughly similar to previous years but here there were definitely bargains to be had. Our new(er) caravan rides much higher than our old Swift so the drop-plate needed to be removed from the van. Having broken a socket last year fitting the combination hitch, two replacement sockets were sourced off a junk stall for the princely sum of 50p the pair. Several trips to and from the stalls resulted in more purchases as each successive visit uncovered more of those essential items!

If my memory serves me correctly, I think the committee donated £2500 to the East Anglian Air Ambulance after last year’s show, hopefully a similar amount can be added this year.