2006 Show report

Weather fails to spoil the show

Exhibitors and visitors took a real beating from the weather during what turned out to be one of the wettest springs on record.

Although the forecast was for “Sunshine and showers” there was very little sunshine to be enjoyed over the weekend.

During build up, there had been strong winds and plenty of rain, but the site held up very well which encouraged the organisers to press on.

Plenty of big loads had got onto the site unassisted and on the Thursday before, the first day that exhibitors and campers are allowed on site, a seemingly endless procession of vehicles and caravans successfully found their way onto their pitches.

With everything in place by Friday evening, everyone was looking forward to an enjoyable weekend; Andy Watson had organised a record line up of single cylinder tractors, there were traction engines that hadn’t been seen at Belvoir before, including Mike Plumb’s newly restored Foden Colonial wagon, several heavy duty military tanks had arrived, including examples of the 36-ton Comet and the sole-surviving operational Valentine ‘swimming’ tank, and the Road Rescue Recovery Association brought their annual gathering to Belvoir for the first time, including some spectacular recovery rigs.

However, torrential overnight rain restricted vehicle movements the next day, with the site starting to cut up badly. It was the first time the site had been used following the decision by the estate management to return the usual field to crop production. Whereas the old site had several means of access from the adjacent public highway, the new site was land-locked. A good access road had been laid, but from the end of it was a gradual descent into the new field. The exit gates planned to be used in a one way system had to be ‘opened up’ at the eleventh hour once it was realised that traffic would have to rely on this to exit the site, due to the climb back to the entrance being likely to cause difficulties in wet weather.  A ‘T’ section between two gateways was taken out to give a much wider exit and the area was treated with fresh hardcore.

Meanwhile the rain slowed and a reasonable Saturday crowd ventured out in their wellies. Paul Worbey, steam section organiser, managed to get a dozen steam engines from the unloading area through the gate to the top part of the field. Otherwise apart from Colin Brothwell’s Ruston ‘Hildery’, Michael Goakes’ Aveling roller, the Howard Bros’ Fowler showman’s ‘Renown’ and the Museum of Lincolnshire Life’s portable – all of which got onto the main show-site on Thursday or Friday – all other engines were stranded in the unloading area, which by now resembled scenes from the Somme.

Arena activity was curtailed to protect the ground, although some of the tractors and lighter vehicle were to be seen on parade, whilst the military vehicle arena was a hive of activity, the conditions suiting their off-road machines perfectly.

After a subdued and frustrating day, the evening went better. Some of the single cylinder tractors ventured out on a road run, as did some of the other tractors and a few steamers, but conditions weren’t good. Exhibitors and campers enjoyed evening entertainment in two beer tents, one featuring Dr Busker, the other a talented rock/covers group called Red Light Blue.

There wasn’t as much rain overnight on the Saturday, but what did fall sat hopelessly on top of the muddy surface and the organisers feared the worse as they met to plan the day at 7.00am. It wasn’t raining, so one-day only exhibits were carefully escorted and directed to their section, but just as cars started to arrive in good numbers in the car park, the heavens opened again at 11.00am. This time the rain didn’t stop, in fact it intensified just when everyone thought there must be nothing left!

By now cars were having to be pushed INTO the car park and the tail back on the road was causing traffic to give up and turn back.

It was decided to reduce the admission price as those who had braved it weren’t going to benefit from the full range of planned activities. By mid-day traders were starting to pack up and leave and by 1.00pm it was becoming clear that everyone was fearing the worst and more and more exhibitors and traders were packing up. The organisers reluctantly decided to abandon the pay gates just before 1.00pm as it was no longer fair to charge the few remaining visitors who had braved the elements.

Nothing much had moved on the Sunday. The heavy horses had only got as far as the top compound and many exhibits were marooned in the car park and unloading area. Thanks to a wonderful spirit of camaraderie, a posse of vintage tractor drivers, together with our own small fleet, a number of 4x4s and a few timber tractors with winches, everybody got off the site safely. There were one or two hairy moments in the mud, which is to be expected, but most people were sensible and patient and everyone who wanted to leave on Sunday night got off, traffic at the exit gates almost non-existent by 6.30pm.

Of course most of the tractors have no cabs and their drivers got absolutely soaked to the skin. The organisers and exhibitors are indebted to them. For some, this was great entertainment and there were plenty still and video cameras in evidence witnessing the triple headers and bizarre combinations ploughing through the liquid earth. One ‘road train’ included three timber tractors, a huge breakdown rig and an articulated lorry loaded with tractors!

At one point in the afternoon, the water surging down the field bypassed its intended drainage ditch and passed straight through the stationary engine area, washing anything in its path, including items in caravan awnings, down the field as it went. One exhibitor, whose wife was seen chasing her wellies down the field, shouted to her “Forget your wellies, grab the beer!” as his tinnies went spinning along in the torrent of water and mud.

Many people decided to stay overnight and again tractors were available to help people off on the Monday, but it took another couple of days to clean up the site and contractors couldn’t collect their equipment for days. Even in July, with the baking sun, the ground although solid, still had deep ruts as lasting evidence of what can only be described as a washout.

There were of course some high spots. The model and motor cycle tents were very popular. The Road Roller Association also put on a fine display and were rewarded with some new membership applications. The Road Rescue Recovery Assoc also enjoyed their new venue in spite of the weather, organ men played on regardless (thanks Ian!) and the bygone section had some interesting new exhibits. As previously mentioned, the military boys had a great time in their off road arena which had been prepared with mounds of soil for them to ‘climb’ over.

Although the organisers endured heavy losses, they have been encouraged to run again in 2007 and the staff at Belvoir Castle have also persuaded them to sign a new three year agreement. On the basis that it surely can’t be so wet again, plans are at an advanced stage for the next show with many new attractions lined up and a folder full of new enquiries to exhibit.

Entry forms for 2007 will be distributed before Christmas by individual section leaders. There details will be posted on this web site following the rally committee meeting scheduled for 2nd December, so please contact the appropriate individual if you would like an entry form. If you attended this year (well done!) you will automatically receive an invitation to attend.

One sad footnote; the event’s commentator Michael Gates passed away the weekend after, having taken ill at Strumpshaw Rally. Michael was very much a part of the rally scene, his knowledge well-respected and his wit unequalled throughout the movement. His commentating skills, in an albeit truncated programme, were therefore last enjoyed at Belvoir Castle and his last report for the World’s Fair newspaper was also about this rally, appearing the week after he passed away – as always Michael had found plenty to be positive about from a dismal weekend. Michael will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his wife Ann and family.

* The organisers are most grateful for the support and sponsorship at the 2006 show from Old Glory, Heritage Commercials and Tractor magazines.

- Paul Appleton, Show Founder