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DORSET STEAM FAIR REPORT 2019

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The Club again put on a fine display of ploughing tackle in action at this year’s Great Dorset Steam Fair. It was reported that during the first two days there were many visitors with, at times, in excess of one hundred people watching the engines at work. The club stand enjoying, at the same time, a good trade in the merchandise that we had on offer. Trade and visitors tailed off somewhat mainly because of the extremely hot weather over the last two days of the event.
There were enquiries from the spectators about joining the club and three new members were enrolled. A number of interested people expressed a wish to join and said they would enquire through the website. Several members renewed their membership which follows a practice that has taken place for a good many years now. We welcome all new and renewing members and hope they find the activities of the club interesting.
The club helpers were kept busy answering questions about steam ploughing and the equipment.
We must thank the following for the time and help they gave the club during the event, Sean and Judy, Michael Beeby, John Rhead, Derek Saunders, Clive Flack and lastly and especially Bernard and Madeleine Weatherley.
We should also thank the members of the ‘back-room’. The tent, the signs, the merchandise stock all has to be transported to the event and it does not arrive without individuals’ time and expense to see that it does.
Peter Longfoot and Bernard Weatherley
Fowler single 1368 awaits duty (Photo C Flack)
Fowler single 1368 awaits duty (Photo C Flack)
The SPC display (Photo B Weatherley)
The SPC display (Photo B Weatherley)
Fowler 15436 at the bottom of the hill (Photo C Flack)
Fowler 15436 at the bottom of the hill (Photo C Flack)
Madeleine in charge at the SPC display (Photo C Flack)
Madeleine in charge at the SPC display (Photo C Flack)
Fowler 15163 with four furrow plough (Photo C Flack)
Fowler 15163 with four furrow plough (Photo C Flack)
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HANDS ON WEEKEND REPORT- September 2019

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Another very successful SPC Hands On event took place on 7-8 September near Itchingfield, West Sussex. Fourteen participants attended in fine weather assisted by tutors and helpers from the club.  A  wide range of engines and implements were in use:
Fowler single cylinder 8 hp engines 2861 and 3195
Fowler/Burrell 16 hp single crank compound
Fowler BB 14 hp compound 14233
Fowler AA6 16 hp compound 13877
Fowler AA/ZA 18 hp compound 15365
Together with
Fowler 6 furrow anti balance plough
Fowler 4 furrow balance plough
Fowler 9/11 heavy cultivator
John at the plough with instructor Peter

John at the plough with instructor Peter

The first day started with a safety briefing and a general explanation of the event followed by a maintenance and lubrication talk on the six furrow plough.  The engines were soon well polished, tubes swept, and in steam then work started.
Saturday evening was marked by the usual celebratory dinner in a nearby local pub and Sunday morning saw participants lighting and preparing engines for the second day.
George, left and Charles, right with instructor Paul on the Fowler Burrell

George, left and Charles, right with instructor Paul on the Fowler Burrell

John takes a close look

John takes a close look

After it was all over a participant commented,
“You and your colleagues who organised and ran the Hands On weekend deserve a massive thank you for all your hard work. Everyone was friendly and helpful and although the atmosphere was quite laid back we were treated to two days of non-stop activity and the chance to get real experience of steam ploughing and cultivation”.
I would like to add my thanks to David Exwood who so enthusiastically loaned the land, Bob Jameson who assisted so much, the engine and implement owners who provided the tackle, those who transported them, and the tutors and helpers without which we could have not succeeded.
John Billard
Saturday morning line-up

Saturday morning line-up

Sunday assembly with helpers, tutors, and participants

Sunday assembly with helpers, tutors, and participants

L-R Ruben, George, Charles with instructor Paul 2nd right

L-R Ruben, George, Charles with instructor Paul 2nd right

Joe explains the plough

Joe explains the plough

Lunch break

Lunch break

Ruben polishing

Ruben polishing

Pulling out the rope to start the day

Pulling out the rope to start the day

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2019 AGM Report

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SPC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
13 APRIL
The 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Steam Plough Club took place on Saturday 13 April at the Town Hall, New Bolingbroke, near Boston, Lincolnshire. 
This followed an interesting morning visit to the premises of J H Rundle and Sons hosted by Alan Rundle. Here, as a tribute to the late Charles Roads BB1 “Dreadnought” was in steam together with engines owned by the Rundles.
About 30 members attended the AGM to accept reports from the president, John Billard, chairman, Mark Jones and secretary Dick Eastwood on past and future events for the club, The treasurer, Richard Playdon confirmed that the accounts remained healthy.  The membership secretary, James Hodgson, said that while a few members had yet to renew their subscriptions for the year the position was greatly improved from last year aided by the new PayPal system.  It was announced that a further Hands On event was planned for September at a site in Sussex and just a few places remained available.
Mark Jones said that it gave him great pleasure to award the Steam Plough Cup to Mike Beeby for his many years unstinting service to the club.  To mark his retirement from the committee Mike was awarded a well deserved Vice Presidency of the club, received by acclamation. 
The present officers and committee were re elected to their positions.  On her retirement from the committee Mark Jones paid tribute to Julie Chick for her work for the club particularly hosting the important club presence at the Great Dorset Steam Fair for many years.
After the conclusion of this meeting a further Annual Meeting of the trustees of the Steam Plough Property Trust was held, led by John Rhead.  The formalities over those present enjoyed a splendid tea prepared by Bernard and Madeleine Weatherley for which great thanks were duly given.
BB1 Dreadnaught (right) commemorates the late Charles Roads (photo John Billard)
BB1 Dreadnaught (right) commemorates the late Charles Roads (photo John Billard)
Alan Rundle, centre our host for the visit (photo John Billard)
Alan Rundle, centre our host for the visit (photo John Billard)
2019 AGM Report
L-R Dick Eastwood, Mark Jones, Peter Longfoot, James Hodgson, Richard Playdon (photo John Billard)
L-R Dick Eastwood, Mark Jones, Peter Longfoot, James Hodgson, Richard Playdon (photo John Billard)
photo John Billard
photo John Billard
Mark Jones presents Mike Beeby with the Steam Plough Cup (photo John Billard)
Mark Jones presents Mike Beeby with the Steam Plough Cup (photo John Billard)
John Rhead chairing the trustees meeting (photo John Billard)
John Rhead chairing the trustees meeting (photo John Billard)
Mark Jones thanks Madeleine and Bernard Weatherley (photo John Billard)
Mark Jones thanks Madeleine and Bernard Weatherley (photo John Billard)
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STEAM PLOUGH CLUB BIENNIAL LUNCH REPORT 2018

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The Biennial Lunch was held on the 1st December at the The Kings Arms, Polebrook, near Oundle, with thirty eight people attending, some covering considerable distances.  The proceedings successfully took place in a jovial and up-beat atmosphere. 
The Club invited Chief Executive Sue Frith and Chairman John Hill from the Society of Ploughmen to attend, and Sue kindly agreed to present the cups and medals to the winners of the awards. Mike Beeby brought one of his model ploughing engines which with the trophies made a splendid central display in keeping with the event. 
Graham Sayers provided a preview of the film of Challenge and captured  the prize giving. Dick Eastwood was Master of Ceremonies.
Two new members were recruited. Club merchandise was available to purchase at Christmas sale prices. Chairman Mark Jones gave his address and asked the question “How many Biennial Lunches had the club arranged?” Thanks went to those who helped organise the day, brought along things of interest, and were just there. Appreciation was given to the staff at the Kings Arms who helped to make it such a splendid occasion. 
STEAM PLOUGH CLUB BIENNIAL LUNCH REPORT 2018
STEAM PLOUGH CLUB BIENNIAL LUNCH REPORT 2018
Richard Pierce and Peter Stanier receive their award and The Gold Medal from Sue Frith
Richard Pierce and Peter Stanier receive their award and The Gold Medal from Sue Frith
STEAM PLOUGH CLUB BIENNIAL LUNCH REPORT 2018
The John Bush Tankard awarded on behalf of Jim Clark
The John Bush Tankard awarded on behalf of Jim Clark
Joe Nourish with his award, the Beeby Brothers Memorial Cup
Joe Nourish with his award, the Beeby Brothers Memorial Cup
Joe Nourish with his award, the Beeby Brothers Memorial Cup
Joe Nourish with his award, the Beeby Brothers Memorial Cup

All photos courtesy of Dick Eastwood

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2018 Great Challenge Report

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2018 Great Challenge Report
Click here for ENTRANTS - Details of the engines and tackle
The Steam Plough Club Great Challenge took place on 13/14 October at the British National Ploughing Championship at Atherstone, Warks. 12 sets of engines and ploughs competed for a series of trophies awarded for the best work expertly judged.
While good weather on the first day allowed excellent progress to be made by all teams regrettably heavy rain and ground conditions caused the event to be curtailed on Sunday morning and no further work was done.  The results were judged as they stood.
The first Challenge took place in 1994 at the suggestion of Michael Davies and has been held eight times since.  This year 12 sets competed consisting of 23 engines.  This included the unique surviving Howard roundabout set by Richard Vernon.  Other engines included a rare Maclaren, and Fowler AA, BB, BB1. K7 and Z7 classes with shallow and digger ploughs.  Each team was given about 5 acres (about 2 Ha) to complete.
The original aim of the Challenge was to produce the highest quality of cable ploughing through competition and this has certainly been realised.  There has been a vast improvement in the  standard of work since.
Speaking of the weekend SPC Chairman Mark Jones said “This showed the club at its best.  Following a very successful first day everyone hid their disappointment at the curtailment and set to loading engines and equipment and away with a will and determination.  The ground conditions were atrocious but it was all successfully achieved without fuss”.
John Billard
16 October 2018
2018 Great Challenge Report
2018 Great Challenge Report
2018 Great Challenge Report
2018 Great Challenge Report
2018 Great Challenge Report
2018 Great Challenge Report
As you will be aware the event was curtailed on the second day, Sunday 14th October, because of heavy rain. Considerable thanks are due to the judges who were able to produce the outcome in these adverse circumstances.
The winning team of the Challenge Cup was Set 5 on Plot G. The crew consisted of Tracy Vine, Douglas Fitzpatrick, Ian Stewart and Andrew Pierce with Peter Denham on the plough. Richard Pierce and Peter Stanier are the owners of Fowler 2861 and Fowler 3195, the two 8hp singles at work.
Second overall was Set 2 / Plot B, The engines were 15182 ‘Achilles’ and 15183 ‘Ajax’. The 4 furrow semi-digger plough number 12861 is one of two ploughs on loan from the Nottingham City Museum to Mike Beeby.  The crew consisted of David Nourish, Peter Wilson, Charles Teall, Archie Sains and Joe Nourish.
Third was Set 7 / Plot L – the team of Peter Stanier, Colin Wakeford, Jon Maynard, Paul Ransley, Duncan Pierce , Roger Luck, and, ploughman Mark Fisher. The engines were Fowler-Burrell number 1050 and Fowler AA6 number 13877 owned by Richard Pierce and Peter Stanier respectively.
Charles Teall and David Nourish in Set 2 were both participants in this year’s Hands On.
Peter Denham wins the Mike Beeby Cup awarded to the ploughman producing the best work by a shallow plough.
The Gold Medal is awarded to the Richard Pierce and Peter Stanier – owners of the 4 furrow, shallow, bevel frame, balance plough number 1514.
Joe Nourish wins the Beeby Brothers Memorial Cup awarded to the ploughman producing the best work by a digger plough. Joe was ploughman in Set 2 on Plot B described above.
The John Bush Tankard is awarded to Jim Clark, the driver of the engine judged to show the highest standard of skill and ability during the course of the competition. Jim was a member of Set 10 on Plot D and was driving Fowler 15145  “Rusty” for Alan Sparkes.
The trophies were presented at the Club’s biennial lunch on Saturday 1st December.  CLICK HERE 
2018 Great Challenge Report
2018 Great Challenge Report
2018 Great Challenge Report
2018 Great Challenge Report
2018 Great Challenge Report

 

All photos John Billard

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2016 The Year of the Steam Plough REPORT

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Celebrations at the Great Dorset Steam Fair and at the World Ploughing Championship,
Crockey Hill, York and Celebration Lunch – A fabulous 50th
 
The Steam Plough Club has celebrated its fiftieth Anniversary at two notable events at the Great Dorset Steam Fair on 25 – 29 August and during the World Ploughing Championships held at Crockey Hill, York on 8 – 11 September.
The club created two quite different displays.  The first, in Dorset, mounted a wonderful exhibition explaining the history of steam cultivation from the earliest times.  The National Traction Engine Trust marquee was largely given over to full size engines, some being under construction or repair. There were also models and a most comprehensive series of information placards by Melanie Fisher setting out the story of steam cultivation.  And outside was assembled something rarely seen these days, a full size road train consisting of engine, living van plough and watercart, assembled by Alan Sparkes.
By contrast, the Crockey Hill event really showed what members could do with a truly marvellous collection of engines and implements.  It wasn’t all steam either with Fowler motor ploughs and the surviving great Fowler Gyrotiller in evidence.  There was plenty of land available for ploughing and cultivating, and a chance for visitors to try their hand at driving an engine or steer an implement. Harry Williams had his award winning model clip drum engine and apparatus on show. And almost unbelievably there was the hugely significant Smith windlass system released from the Milton Keynes Museum.
I can well believe that this was one of the greatest collections of historical cable cultivation artefacts displayed in history, and most unlikely to be repeated in the near or even distant future.
It is invidious to give credits but I must include Simon and Melanie Fisher for the Dorset exhibition and for Dick Eastwood taking the brunt of the organisation at Crockey Hill.  But above all it was the club and its members that must be congratulated for marking the anniversary in such an unforgettable way.
As my all too short visits ended I could not but think of our old club founder Harold Bonnett and what he might have thought of it all.  He would have been delighted and thrilled, but knowing Harold, not speechless!  
John Billard
“The Wilder”, in the display tent at Dorset, owned by James Hodgson
“The Wilder”, in the display tent at Dorset, owned by James Hodgson
Paul Ransley’s immense rebuild of Fowler 1908 of 1873
Paul Ransley’s immense rebuild of Fowler 1908 of 1873
Fowler K7 14256 owned by the Farwells, faces Fowler BB 12413 under restoration
Fowler K7 14256 owned by the Farwells, faces Fowler BB 12413 under restoration
Another view of 14213 showing extensive boiler repairs
Another view of 14213 showing extensive boiler repairs
Celebration Lunch
Celebration Lunch
Fowler single cylinder K5 11082 owned by Robert Goodwill
Fowler single cylinder K5 11082 owned by Robert Goodwill
Fowler Tractor 14805 with a Fowler 4 wheel water cart on duty
Fowler Tractor 14805 with a Fowler 4 wheel water cart on duty
Part of the extensive pattern making by Paul Ransley for his Fowler rebuild
Part of the extensive pattern making by Paul Ransley for his Fowler rebuild
Dorset organisers Simon and Melanie Fisher with Roger Luck and their Fowler A4 9691
Dorset organisers Simon and Melanie Fisher with Roger Luck and their Fowler A4 9691
Fowler singles 2861 and 3195 owned by Peter Stanier and Richard Pierce
Fowler singles 2861 and 3195 owned by Peter Stanier and Richard Pierce
14213 again
14213 again
Engines at York used some of the very last coal from the recently closed Kellingley Colliery, the last deep mine in England
Engines at York used some of the very last coal from the recently closed Kellingley Colliery, the last deep mine in England
Fowler motor ploughing engine of 1929 on loan from Leeds Museums and Galleries
Fowler motor ploughing engine of 1929 on loan from Leeds Museums and Galleries
Models and engines and “read all about it” in the Dorset marquee
Models and engines and “read all about it” in the Dorset marquee
Unusual Fowler Fowler B4 11637 owned by Warner Bower
Unusual Fowler Fowler B4 11637 owned by Warner Bower
Fowler DD “My Delight” owned by Chris Griffiths partly hidden by the K5
Fowler DD “My Delight” owned by Chris Griffiths partly hidden by the K5
The Fowler road train assembled by Alan Sparkes led by Fowler BB1 15222
The Fowler road train assembled by Alan Sparkes led by Fowler BB1 15222
Fowler’s great 170 hp Gyrotiller owned by the Ward Bros
Fowler’s great 170 hp Gyrotiller owned by the Ward Bros
Unique Foden Agritractor 13630 of 1930 owned by John Sawle
Unique Foden Agritractor 13630 of 1930 owned by John Sawle
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50th Anniversary Challenge Report

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MORE THAN A GREAT CHALLENGE
8-11 September 2016 Crockey Hill near York
Click here for Anniversary Pictures
Summary of Exhibits
44 exhibits – Full size & miniatures
Steam Exhibits  = 31 Ploughing Engines + 4 Tractors = 35
Manufacturers represented -Fowler, McLaren & Foden
Fowler Single Cylinder Ploughers – 8hp, 12hp, 14hp, DD
Fowler Compound Ploughers – plus B4, BB, BB1, AA6, AA7, K5, K7, Z7
McLaren Compound Plougher – 16hp
Fowler Tractors – A4, B5, T3
Foden Agri-Tractor
Fowler Motor Cable PE +  McLaren Motor Windlass + Gyrotiller
4 Steam Miniature Ploughing Engines + Plough
Kitson & Hewitson clip drum PE, Howard cultivator & Fowler self-moving anchor miniature display
Implements included
Ten ploughs
Six cultivators
Four harrows
Two combination implements
Two mole ploughs
Barford & Perkins design Roundabout Tackle
50th Anniversary Challenge Report
50th Anniversary Challenge Report
50th Anniversary Challenge Report
Our Sponsors
The Club has received very generous support from a good number of businesses and individuals in response to requests for sponsorship to help with staging the Crockey Hill event at York. In addition to monetary support, we have been loaned two 4WD tractors and a water tanker for replenishing the engines over the four days. One attendee has received free transport to and from the York event from a Cornwall based engineering company. Our thanks go to everyone who has helped to make the event a success by their kind support.

Demonstrations included:

  • Roundabout tackle
  • The double engine system
  • Direct steam ploughing
  • Diesel and paraffin ploughers
  • Rotary diggers
  • Ploughs, cultivators
  • Harrows and more

 

Rare exhibits:

  • Miniatures at Work
  • Working demonstrations
  • Photos, models, books and DVDs to buy
  • Drive an engine!
  • Competitions
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