Castle Combe Steam Rally (17th - 18th May, 2025)
This is one of a series of pages which I have uploaded to illustrate facets of steam rallies we have attended in the UK. Such events occur all over the country in the summer months, they are easily found by using your favourite search engine and may have anything between a handful of steam engines and hundreds (as at the Great Dorset Steam Fair which could probably be fairly described as having an excess of riches). Click here for the overall index for 2025.
Castle Combe is a 'local' rally for us, at least as far as the crow proverbially flies and one we go to as often as not if the weather is set fair. In the years since the pandemic it had to produce more than 20 engines, which could be recorded and enjoyed in an afternoon once the morning rush was over. It was our first of the season, Yuehong having declared herself ready for the challenge as her first outing after knee surgery in mid-April. One potential tricky feature was the distance between the car park and main rally area, but an enquiry to the organisers revealed that there was a dedicated 'disabled' minibus service laid on, for which they deserve credit. This year we found 18 engines (including a delightful original restored Locomobile) and the Gods blessed me with a pair of 'new' engines, although the rest were regularly seen mainly at South Cerney and Fairford. There was a good crowd on Sunday in the sun and no doubt similar on the Saturday. Both of us were were pleased to be away from our immediate vicinity for the first time in 5 weeks, Yuehong more than survived, the English countryside was at its best and we brought back a set of Salvia for her patio. A perfect afternoon excursion in other words.
Steam Rollers
General Engines
Showman's Engine
|
Maker |
Number |
Registration |
Notes |
|
|
Burrell | 2072/1898 | AD 8786 |
"'The Masterpiece" Marcle Rally 2014 Picture Marcle Rally 2015 Picture Old Warden Rally 2016 Picture Welland Rally 2017 Picture Great Dorset Steam Fair 2019 Picture Welland Rally 2022 Picture Great Dorset Steam Fair 2022 Picture Castle Combe Rally 2023 Picture Welland Rally 2023 Picture Welland Rally 2024 Picture |
Steam Car
