There was no specific theme for the 2011 Woolpit Steam event, other than the usual excellent collection of veteran & vintage machinery. The 2010 event allowed donations totalling £10,200 to various local charities, more in line with “normal” expectations after the phenomenal 2009 show. This year’s layout followed the pattern set in the last two years which allows more room for the stationary engine displays, a separate area for the real veteran tractors and a central working compound in-between the two.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get out and around as much as normal this weekend due to illness, so didn’t have as much time to take in all the exhibits, most of my time out spent taking the photos you see on this site, but I do recall there was a rare Rumely Do-all amongst the veterans. This tractor, not unlike a Fordson F from a distance, had its rear wheels set to a much wider track than the front pair.

The vintage & classic tractor section provided its usual representative selection of the popular British and American marques, with one or two continental European tractors as well. These more recent imports are becoming more common at our rallies now as collectors become more interested in them, as they are quite different to what was available for the home market.

I’d seen pictures of the Bush family’s “miniature” steam lorry posted on a commercial vehicle forum following the Strumpshaw rally the week before so was interested to see it in the flesh. Powered by a 1920s Merryweather boiler and rumoured to be based on a milk-float chassis, which I think could be right given it’s named “Ernie” (remember the fastest milk-cart in the west?), I thought what a neat little job had been made of it.

There weren’t so many heavy commercials and living vans this year, which was more noticeable due to the small number and space in the section, but they were swelled by a few more day-trippers on Sunday. However, the military section amongst the trees was quite varied and representative with the Rougham Estate showing what may be a recent acquisition, a Redford RL bus now modified for use as a camper-van which no doubt comes in handy for events further away from their Suffolk base. Elsewhere the usual mix of cars, motorcycles and stationary engines filled out the other areas.

As a footnote to the rally, Mike Lee in cooperation with David and Gerald Seeley has shot several hours of film for a 79-minute DVD, 30% of the value of all sales to go to the Woolpit Steam charity fund. To order on-line or by post, visit www.woolpitsteamdvd.com

Next year, 2012, sees the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, which gives us an extra Bank Holiday in June. As happened for the Golden Jubilee, the late Spring Bank Holiday will be put back a week to give a 4-day long weekend. The expectation is that most of the events that fall on the normal Bank Holiday weekend such as Carrington, Strumpshaw, Lamport Hall, will drop back a week, so the Woolpit committee have indicated that they will bring their event forward to the 26-27 May 2012 to avoid any unpopular clashes.