Following on from last year’s Saunderson gathering, the theme for 2010 was the Walsh & Clark Reunion Special, “bringing the G Miles threshing fleet back to Suffolk for one last time”. There are other Suffolk connections too with the Rand family who now judge the stationary engine section (see separate report), and it was to the new extension to the stationary engines lines in the working and special theme area that we went to pitch on arrival.

In all, the organisers gathered together 5 or 6 ploughing engines and a smaller scale (model) traction engine plus a Garrett threshing drum to replicate the Miles fleet. One Walsh & Clark engine, which is hibernating within the Science Museum at Wroughton was not released to attend the rally because of reams of conditions, red tape and bureaucracy, much to the organisers disgust. Ironic really, considering the condition of the hangers at Wroughton where such gems are locked away from public gaze in the so-called “interests” of conservation.

As always, the raft of veteran tractors was extensive with several Saundersons returning from last year, a number of Moline machines and also a Minneapolis, before both firms merged to form MM. Early Case, Fowler motor-plough and Renault joined the more common but still exclusive IHC Titans, Moguls, Rumely Oil Pull, etc. Even the horticultural section threw up a Tiger tractor, not seen before.

We took along my new acquisition, an original condition Ruston engine to join a few other rusty and running machines, but the majority of engines on show are very well restored and presented. Woolpit is always a prime place to see very rare colourful imported horizontal open cranks and this year is no exception, but the home market is also well represented and equally colourful thanks to the Highway Yellow Lister-Millars pumping outfit.

The cars and motorcycles occupied their customary positions and again, there are always a few rarities amongst the former, including one or two American cousins, such as the Nash Austin Metropolitan. This year the commercial section threw up a couple of vehicles I can’t recall seeing before and the Rougham Estate’s Bedford TJ Packhorse had received a coat of new yellow paint and possibly some new wooden body sides.

The fair had a slightly different shape this year with two showmen’s and a Savage steam engine but unfortunately no Gallopers, these being replaced by Dorman’s Waltzer and a set of Savage’s yachts. With Punch & Judy adjacent, Lowestoft Dog Agility Display Team and the Royal British Legion Corp of Drums performing in the main ring on Sunday, there is plenty of entertainment going on around the vintage exhibits.

To finish, I would like to congratulate the organisers and committee of Woolpit Steam of their magnificent achievement in 2009 of donating £17,000 to various charities, a sum that was more than 50% up on 2008’s figure. That was a superb result and if 2010 can come anywhere close, it will be well deserved.