Same owner for 60 years!

Bernie Ward reports on the celebrations organised a traction engine that’s been with the same owner for 60 years.

On July 1^st, David Dean of Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk, celebrated 60 years of ownership of his ex-Hentons, 1909 7hp Marshall traction engine in style, with a road trip to the local pub at nearby Lound. The celebration party included several local enginemen, family members and friends.

Following liquid refreshments and group photographs at the Village Maid public house, to celebrate his 60 years of ownership, David’s engine headed for home, ably assisted by steersman Ken Ward. Some mini traffic jams were caused in the village and en route, but everyone seemed willing to join in the fun and let the engine pass! On arrival back at base his daughter, Mary, had prepared a handsome buffet for all to enjoy (accompanied, of course, with mugs of tea for everyone), making a perfect ending to a perfect day!

The engine, Marshall No. 52483, was supplied new to a Mr Charles Kendall of Dunnington, near York, but was later commandeered by the army for war service. In 1917, it was sold to Mr John Henton (thrashing machine proprietor and steam haulage contractor) of Hopwas, near Tamworth, in Staffs, where it stayed for the rest of its long, working life.

David bought the engine – now registered E5 114 – from Hentons in 1961, and has lavished much time and effort to restore it as near as possible to its original specification. His passion for the engine has not stopped there. Though, as he’s also amassed a large file on the Henton family history, which he hopes to publish in the future, when time allows.

While there are several engines that have remained in one family for longer, there are very few that have been in single ownership for 60 years or more.

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