Steam rally celebrates biggest crowds for several years
MASHAM Steam Rally went "without a hitch" at the weekend as a bumper line-up attracted the largest turnout for several years.
It was also the end of an era for the show, which is celebrating its 45th year, as Saturday and Sunday's festivities were the last that will take place at the showfield in Low Burton, which has been the rally's home for 40 years.
"Everything went without a hitch and the weather wasn't too unkind to us," said rally co-ordinator Flo Grainger.
"Sunday's crowd wasn't as big as I expected but Saturday's was very good."
'very grateful'
Before Saturday's grand parade the showfield's owners, the Warrington family, were thanked for their support of the event over the years by committee president Susan Cunliffe-Lister who presented two oak trees as a mark of appreciation.
Mrs Grainger added: "We are very grateful for what they have done for us in the past."
The parade, featuring Rally Queen Megan Green, 18, from Masham, was well-supported with crowds lining up to see the array of steam engines, tractors, vintage cars, motorcycles, fire engines, and other interesting vehicles.
spectacular
Other entertainment also proved popular with the spectacular motorcycle stunt display work of Jason Smyth's Adrenaline Show and Ben Potter's falconry display proving to be particular highlights along with, on Saturday evening, the Graham Atkinson showman's engines and fabulous dancing show.
The new craft marquee also proved a hit with visitors, as did the 'Dales Dairy Local Food' tent which was more than twice its usual size.
The committee is now set to meet next week to discuss next year's event with the number one priority being to find a new venue for the rally.
'careful consideration'
Mrs Grainger said: "We have two or three possibilities in mind but we must consider the issue very carefully as there are quite a lot of things to take into account, such as will everything fit into the venue, access to the site, and the facilities for coping with visitors' cars."
This story plus a full page picture spread will be published in the Ripon Gazette - out Friday, July 23.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Ripon
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
