Another Driffield Show Success - The 2011 Event

Yes,  20011 was another successful show, thanks to the hard work of all the stewards, officials and organisers who ensured that this years event would , as it always has, build on the last. However the continuing success of this fantastic event is only ever assured if the great British public continue to come along and see examples of the very best of British vintage engineering and it's use in times gone by - and by golly they did, so a huge thank you to them all!

The report below sums up this years show very well, and hopefully it will whet your appetite and encourage you to come again next year. It was written by Steve Lilly and is as published in Vintage Spirit, so a big thank you to both Steve and Vintage Spirit for supporting the Driffield Vintage Rally by allowing it to be seen here:

Blink as you walked along the line up of commercials at this years Driffield Steam rally and you would have missed the elegant 1926 Ford Model T one ton truck  (tin cab) which spent its working life in West Virginia in the USA before making its way in to the UK were it has been kept in its original condition with only a new fan belt added to its 2.9 cylinder 20hp side-valve engine and is still carrying its USA registration plate T4-554 along with its black and yellow paintwork. The sound emitting from the Gardner 6LW under the cab of T D Cotterill's 1953 Scammell MU reminded us all why these Watford machines went on to become some of the finest on the roads of Britain, a sentiment that was echoed by W.Gowler's 1952 Bedford Scammell O type which has the name plates of both manufacturers due to it being fitted with Scammell articulated gear (5th Wheel).

 

The rally itself is now on its 22nd running and each year the organisers try to add something new and different. 2010 saw a very successful appearance by the Steam Car Club of Great Britain who were so impressed with the show they had no hesitation in coming back for a second time with a impressive array of steam cars.  Also on a return visit and lapping the main arena with some speed and conviction, despite the grass still retaining some moisture from the previous evenings rainfall, was the Haleson Steam Motorcycle believed to be the only such machine in the world  which was built by a Mr Hale of Bristol using Chater-lea cycle parts with the power plant built by Mr Hale himself and  Weighs in at 220lbs .

 

A newcomer in the engine line up and making its first public appearance in over twenty years was the  Aveling & Porter roller no 4232 'Venture' of the Gray family who have been its keepers for the past 55 years.  Built in 1896 it went out work for Denbighshire Council in Wales after which little is known of its working history. The roller was rescued from a scrap yard in Ruthin near Wrexham by the father of the present keeper who saw part of the canopy and chimney protruding out from a pile of  vehicles. When it was uncovered  and pulled out it was remarkably in good condition and was soon back in steam, although over the years much work has been carried out.  Making a surprise appearance and taking the owners, M Middlewood & Sons, tally of engines present on the day to three was 'Ward', a 1908 Burrell general purpose engine carrying number 3048, which went new in to Norfolk before a post war move in to the East Riding. Chris Peacock & family were making their Driffield debut with Marshall no 51483 'Eileen' a 14 ton tractor built in 1909 as a left hand drive 3rd shift brake model.

 

With a full complement of supporting attractions from the classic cars, motorcycles and stationary engines including a now working Crossley type FO1 single cylinder engine rated at 26hp @ 375 rpm which left the Manchester works in 1931 to drive the centrifugal pump used to pump water from the river to the lock at the nearby Beverley beck. Following a period of outside storage, East Riding of Yorkshire Council entrusted the engine to East Riding Engine Club who intend to fully restore it and use it at this and other local shows.

 

Steve Lilly 

 

Footnote: Steve Lilly is a freelance journalist and photographer who frequently visits events in and around Yorkshire. The photographs below are some from Steve's collection of this years event, you can see more of his images by visiting stevelillyphotography.com

     

 

 

 

A 1953 Scammell MU  looking and sounding great - Steve Lilly

 

A 1927 Ford Model T truck in original condition - Steve Lilly

 

Foster showman's engine no 14632 'Success' has attended all 22 Driffield steam rallies - Steve Lilly

 

Mr A.E. Emuss aboard his Haleson steam motorcycle - Steve Lilly