Great Dorset Steam Fair
Monday, 21 September 2009 09:24
This year's Great Dorset Steam Fair, the 41st, was held on September 2nd - 6th and we were there to fly the flag for Berrybrook Steam and great British engineering.
We arrived on Tuesday 1st Sept to set everything up on our allotted pitch adjacent to the thrashing area. Like last year this was a really great spot, thanks to Martin Oliver, with a constant stream of people and close to so much of the action. Luckily the set up day was dry which helped everyone to get organised. Wednesday dawned, the gates opened to the public and the crowds started to arrive. Unfortunately by mid afternoon the rain set in and many people made for the exits and the rally site took on the appearance of a rather damp and muddy ghost town, apart from a few hardy souls who were determined to enjoy themselves whatever the weather - such is the attraction of the GDSF. Thursday was dry with a stiff breeze that started to dry everything out and the crowds returned all eager to be a part of what is probably the greatest vintage show in the world. After a wet start to Friday the weather got better and lasted until the end of the show.
Pride of place on the Berrybrook Steam stand was Sean's and Michael's half size Burrell Scenic Showman's road loco "The General". When we arrived on Tuesday we were delighted to see in the programme a photo feature of The General posed next to its full size inspiration, Burrell Showman's Scenic no. 3888 "General Gough" of 1921. We steamed our engine all day and every day and the highlight for us was being part of the Showman's engine line up on Friday evening and Saturday evening, the climax of which was the 2 minute "whistle symphony" at midnight on Saturday. After steaming the engine for some 15 hours that day we finally dropped the fire at 1am! We reckoned The General steamed a total of about 60 hours that week.
It was great to see some of our customers enjoying their engines in the miniature section and also great to see so many of our friends enjoying the Great Dorset Steam Fair ambience. Some of us did not get home until 11pm on the Sunday evening thinking thank goodness that it was all over, however following a good nights sleep and a couple of days to recover we were then thinking about and planning for next years show. Finally, our thanks must go to all those who helped us throughout the week. Sam, Mark, Rob (aka Fred), Vicky (aka Trolley Dolly) and Lesley. Their help enabled us to have another successful and enjoyable show. Roll on September 1st 2010.
