Our day out to the Welland Steam and Country Rally Worcestershire
We had a great day and evening with family and friends at the Welland Steam and Country Rally. The Rally was first started in 1964 by a handful of Steam Engine enthusiasts in Ross on Wye and in 1993 it finally settled on its own 100 acre site in Welland, Worcestershire. An additional 30 acres were then added to facilitate camping for the weekend of the rally. It really is a lovely setting with the Malvern hills in the background.
It is a day of nostalgia, sights, and sounds that takes you on a trip down memory lane to the days when steam power reigned on the roads, farm and fairground.
It was fascinating seeing all the machinery from a different era, including vintage coaches, cars, tractors and generators. There was even a steam engine from an old ferry.
For all the Great Escape fans there was also an area full of vintage army vehicles including motorbikes.
An arena exhibited the different machinery with commentary and interesting facts. We really enjoyed the steam engine parades and the competitive tractor pull.
At the far end of the site they are constructing the Welland Road demonstrating how road making would have been carried out in the 1900’s.
Each year they add another section using the tools from the past and wearing period costume which was excellent to see.
It really is a small world as this picture below shows a Morris FGK40 Lorry with the original bill of sale in 1965 when the lorry was purchased as new.
The lorry actually belongs to Paul’s old school friend Nigel Norris from Blakeney, which was passed down to him from his father, Don Norris, who went to school with Paul’s Dad John. Paul’s Dad John is famous within the family for telling stories, and still talks fondly of Don who always had the best door step sandwiches in school and would often swap them with him, great memories!
Throughout the site there were numerous stalls selling local crafts and produce and the option to sample some of the local produce, Carole particularly enjoyed the wine tasting! (Nothing new there then!)
There was also a great selection of catering vans selling pizza, jerk chicken, fish and chips and our niece and nephew in law, Nat and Al particularly enjoyed the crepes!
In the evening entertainment was provided on a stage completely powered by steam. First up was a tribute act called Rob Stevens, a very talented guy who performed tributes to Meatloaf and Tom Jones.
In the beer tent was a band called the GT’s who were also very good and played a variety of music from the 60’s to present day. We were lucky enough to catch the GT’s again at the Sunshine Music Festival, they really are an excellent band so if you get chance to see them we recommend you do!
The once famous Eric Faulkner and the Bay City Rollers also performed, do feel free to join in the Bye Bye Baby singalong!
and the day was finished off nicely with an excellent firework display.
For an entrance fee of £10 it really was value for money and a great day out for all the family. Thank you Welland we had a fabulous day out and look forward to 2016!
Did you attend Welland Steam Rally? We would love to hear your comments below.
