Got to Otterspool Way just after 10.30 Roger, Sue. Dave Scott, Derek, Bill, Ron and George were waiting. Brian was nominated to take the lead and to our surprise nobody got lost. We missed our turning and as we had to turn around this is when Ron took advantage of refuelling his bike.  

Arrived at Marsworth around 11.30. Laurie and Peter Mayne were already there. Our first stop was to head for teas and coffees and some of the gang could not resist at those delicious home-made cakes which were laid out on the tables so inviting. As it was overcast and there was a bit of drizzle in the air hence the day started off a bit slow. Soon the weather started to improve and it is then more and more classic cars, bikes and scooters started rolling in. Within half an hour so the whole place filled up quite quickly and was buzzing.

Brian and I decided to take a stroll around the ground looking at classic vehicles and steam engines. There were all sorts of tractors, trucks, military and farm vehicles as well as steam water engines. There were the usual stalls selling everything from house plants and garden stuff to home-made jams and cakes.  

Here is a little history about how it all started. In 1999 few volunteers wanted to create a village event to do a bit of fun-raising and support the millennium project. It started small and as the event was a great success. It was decided from then on to make it an annual event. The rally has grown significantly over the years and the visitors keep coming each year. They get a chance to see, feel and experience all those steam powered engines and period custom. All the funds raised go to well-deserved local charities. The owners are very proud to exhibits their machinery which they have loving cherished and restored.

The entry to the event was £5 which we feel is well worth it and for such a worthy cause. It was good to see so many people still supporting this event by turning up each year. May it go on forever and benefit those local charities. Jeff, Dee and Harry turned up during the afternoon. As this event is local to many of the members we do get a good numbers turning up. It gives us a great opportunity to catch up.

Pat Beasely.