The brilliant Welland Steam & Country Rally
Posted by Chris Graham on 28th September 2022
Chris Graham visits the amazing Welland Steam & Country Rally, that’s grown to such a size that many now refer to it as ‘Little Dorset’!
If there had been an award for the ‘most dapper’ driver, Gunston Jones, from Llandovery, would surely have been in with a shout. Here he is parading his 1949, P3-engined Ferguson TE 20, resplendent in its working clothes.
This was my first visit to the Welland Steam & Country Rally (July 29th-31st) and I have to say that I was immensely impressed by the sheer breadth of the show. I can certainly understand why it’s popularly referred to as ‘Little Dorset’, by people likening it to the Great Dorset Steam Fair. The variety of attractions was incredible, and the organisers’ aim of creating a genuine ’working event’ was certainly achieved. I shall definitely be returning next year.
In the meantime, here’s just a sample of the red and grey (plus purple and yellow!) machines that caught my eye.
According to the programme, vehicle No. 188 is listed as a 1973 Ford Escort 1300E saloon! So, unfortunately, I’m unable to identify the happy driver. But if she reads this and wants to get in touch, then I’ll be happy to set the record straight.
This tidy, 1968 MF 135 Multi-Power, complete with transport box, is owned by Andy Maas, from Stratford.
This eye-catching, 1954 Ferguson TE 20 ‘purple and gold’ is owned by Adam Eady, from Llandovery. Angela Eady was listed as having entered a pink Ferguson TE 20, so perhaps they’d swapped tractors on this occasion.
This Massey Ferguson 188 Multi-Power is owned by Mike Brazington, from Ledbury, and is a 1976 model. Unfortunately, I didn’t see it running around the ring.
This imposing, 1973 MF 1155 was surely one of the biggest tractors at the show, and belongs to David Sherwin, who had travelled all the way from Bourne, in Lincolnshire.
Here’s Richard Bateman, from Llanelli, on the way to the show arena aboard his immaculate-looking, 1955 Ferguson TE-T 20 Industrial.
This is another machine that, sadly, I didn’t see running. It’s a 1982 MF 134C crawler, owned by Bill Stokes, from Leominster.
Ken Gibbard was showing his 1950 Ferguson TE 20 Reekie vineyard conversion, beautifully preserved in its working clothes.
Nearest the camera is Richard Belwood’s 1953 Ferguson TE-F 20 Hi Crop, finished in a distinctive shade of yellow.
This report comes from the latest issue of Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast, and you can get a money-saving subscription to this magazine simply by clicking HERE
