Strawberries and Steam 2008

Every year I look forward to this event which I think is a fine example of Englishness. Fred Dibnah would be very proud.

Near to us between Wanborough and Swindon is a Strawberry Farm. Here once a year some of the fields are turned over to a bunch of Steam Engine, Stationary Engine, Classic Car and Bike enthusiasts along with supporting side shows of old fair ground machinery and a splatter of Cockerels, Hens, Ducks and other farm yard animals. It is a very low key event, so laid back it's almost horizontal. There's an obligatory beer tent selling warm real ale, a tent selling honey, a couple of ice cream vans, a demo of an old engine driving a saw to cut logs, smash rocks etc. Usually a brass band or 2 and a bunch of big fat blokes in oily old boiler suits tending their beloved machines. I love it.

Last year due to the horrendous weather we had the fields were under water and the event had to be called off so everyone seemed to have made double effort to be there this year. There were more steam engines than I ever recall seeing before.

I took over 50 photos and videos as I wandered around, so here is just a tiny selection to give a flavour of the event. I took Mabel and Millie with me in my old 1962 Rover and we had a splendid time. Millie seemed fascinated by the old steam engines, their whistles and puff puff, chuff chuff noises.





Mabel riding on an old fair ground merry go round.





I loved this little engine above. It was almost streamlined. I wish I knew more about Steam Engines. If I am ever rich, I will find time and buy one and just potter around with it. Perhaps go to the shops on a sunny afternoon, just for a gas.






Many of the engines towed little day vans behind them. These are like old fashioned caravans with everything you need. A bed, a small wood stove and room for some beer.





The smoke stack was so high on this I had to step a long way back to get it in the frame. I wonder why it's so tall?




This was Mabel's favourite. Maybe it was the shining brass that did it for her...




Another fine little day van.



There were 15 or so miniature engines there. All totally hand built and amazing feats of engineering. For me though this miniature stood out. Truly outstanding in my humble opinion. If memory serves me right this is road legal and had a tax disc and number plate too. Many of the miniature engines did! How crazy would that be to drive out on the road!?