Events News
Events News
Great Dorset Steam Fair 25th -29th August
Thanks to some of the regular volunteers and a couple of new additions, the Club will be represented at the Great Dorset Steam Fair between 25th and 29th August – the first show since 2019. Thanks to Sean Symons who has secured sufficient helpers to manage the Club marquee. The team will be in the usual spot adjacent to the Steam Ploughing field.
In addition to Club sales, it is planned to have on display the Fowler Motor Cable Ploughing Engine which is on loan to the Club from the Leeds Museums and Galleries. In addition,George King, woodturner, will have on display a selection of his outstanding scale reproduction models including a Superba ploughing engine, plough, cultivator, mole plough, Living Van and Water Cart.
We look forward to meeting and greeting you and persuading you to purchase some of the items produced by the Club! We are always grateful to receive second-hand books for sale at the event – please drop these off anytime.
Anyone joining the Club at GDSF will enjoy 16 months membership.
Dick Eastwood, 1 st July 2022
Annual General Meeting, 9th April, Milton Keynes Museum
The visit to Milton Keynes Museum for the Club’s Annual General Meeting was enjoyed by those who attended. Interesting collections throughout the Museum, excellent facilities, and friendly/helpful catering staff and volunteers looking after the exhibits made the visit all the more enjoyable.
The AGM was attended by 30 persons inclusive of officers, committee, members and their partners/friends. Reports were delivered by the officers. Serving officers and Committee members were re-elected and nominations of Peter Nicholas and Jeremy Davies to the committee endorsed.
The Treasurer advised those in attendance that there was a need to consider an increase in membership subscriptions effective from January 2023. The subs were last increased (from £15) to £20 in 2014. After discussion, a show of hands indicated 10 members were in favour of £30 and 3 preferred £25.
John Billard promoted his Excel spreadsheet indexing the contents – and where available, the authors of written material and credits for photographs – inside the Steam Plough Times from No.1 up to March 2022.
Following conclusion of the AGM, there was a meeting of the Trustees of the Steam Plough Property Trust chaired by John Rhead. John outlined the purpose of the Trust and the role of the Trustees, and, advised that he was satisfied that the Club’s assets were being well cared for.
There was no High Tea to the disappointment of a good number present.
Dick Eastwood, May 2022
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General meeting of the Steam Plough Club will take place at the Milton Keynes Museum on Saturday, 9th April, at 2:00pm. A meeting of the Trustees of the Steam Plough Property Trust will follow the AGM.
Prior to the meetings, members can tour the Museum facilities and enjoy the recreated street of shops, school, Victorian parlour, scullery, kitchen and laundry, servants’ room, parlour, print room, hall of transport and the barn! The museum’s excellent collections cover agriculture, transportation, archaeology, telephones, printing, rural crafts, domestic and shopping so there is something for everyone!
Further details can be found in the March SPT page 6
Dick Eastwood, 16 March 2022
Steam Plough Club ‘Hands On Weekend’ 4th – 5th September 2021 & ‘Mole Ploughing’ 11th September 2021
On Tuesday the 31st of August, a post went up on the Steam Apprentice Club Facebook, offering a SAC Member over the age of 15 a place in the Steam plough Club ‘Hands On Weekend.’ I entered and was surprised when I was chosen. We arrived at Joe Nourish’s Farm on the Friday at 11:00 am as we were told there would be plenty to do, we met Archie and andrew. They said to speak to Joe Nourish, he would say what we could do. I was allowed to unsheet and clean Joe’s Fowler BB1 15182 ‘Achilles’, later we were asked to light it up and then take it to the field ready for the weekends ploughing, while we were getting steam Howard Boltons BB1 15337 turned up. After we had taken Achilles around to the field, Kev Mills brought Brain Knights pair of BB1’s 15451 ‘Victory’ and 15452 ‘Dreadnought’ around to the field. Later Peter Wilson’s Fowler BB1 15183 ‘Ajax’ and Hal and Guy Debes single 2528 ‘The Chief’ appeared and went into the field. The Implements were a 6 furrow plough, 4 furrow plough and a cultivator. There were 12 participants including another SAC member, Cameron.
Saturday
I woke up bright and early ready to go and light up the engine I had been told I could the night before, Achilles was the first in steam ready to get set up for cultivating. 9:00 am was the safety briefing, then we were put into 3 groups. Group 1 went with ‘The Chief’ and Howard Boltons BB1 15337 with the 6 furrow plough, Group 2 with Brian Knights pair of BB1’s ‘Victory’ and ‘Dreadnought’ on the 4 furrow plough and Group 3 with Peter Wilson’s BB1 ‘Ajax’ and Joe Nourish’s BB1 ‘Achilles’ on the cultivator. I was in Group 2 with ‘Victory’ and ‘Dreadnought.’ Kev showed us around the oiling points on a ploughing engine and on the ploughing gear. We then took them over to where the 4 furrow plough was. We used ‘Dreadnought’ to take the wire rope over to the other side of the field and then we winched it back to us at ‘Victory.’ We attached the wire ropes to the plough and got ploughing, Kev showing us what I had to do. After about an hour on ‘Victory’, I went and had a go on the Plough, it was good fun but was difficult with the steering going the opposite way to what you think it should on one of the pull’s. We then had a 1 hour lunch break and a group photo in front of one of the engines, we then got back to ploughing where I stayed with ‘Victory’ until it was time to pack away.
Sunday
I was up early as I was asked if I would like to help light up ‘Victory.’ So we got there for 7:30, Unsheeted ‘Victory’ and ‘Dreadnought’, swept the tubes of ‘Victory’ and emptied the ash pan. Then I lit the fire and started polishing. When most of the engines were in steam, we were told where we would be going. I was able to stay with ‘Victory’ for the morning. After Lunch, I was told by Joe Nourish to go and have a go on Hal and Guy Debes 14NHP Single ‘The Chief’ on the 6 furrow plough, Then I went to ‘Achilles’ to have a turn at pulling the Cultivator, Which was good as Andrew, one of the instructors, said I had the Cultivator going at the right speed for cultivating. Then I wandered back to ‘Victory’ and steered it back to the top of the field with Cameron driving. Then I was lucky enough to be asked by Kev Mills if I would like to drive ‘Victory’ down into the farmyard and down the steep track and into the shed.
Many thanks to the organising team at the Steam Plough Club and all the input from the Instructors and Engine Owner’s and all the kind words from experienced plough men who I had never met before.
The Next weekend I was lucky enough to be invited back to the Farm to do some Mole Ploughing with Kev, Victory and Dreadnought. We arrived at 8:00 and was asked to light ‘Dreadnought’ with Fraser Cruickshank. Then we took the engines to the field, set ‘Dreadnought’ up, set the Mole Plough up and tried to understand how it worked. They Set ‘Victory’ up halfway across the field for a couple of practice pulls. We then put ‘Victory’ on the far side of the field and did the full field. I stayed with ‘Dreadnought’ for most of the day pulling the Mole Plough back across the field while ‘Victory’ did the hard work pulling the plough through the ground. I then swapped engines and had a go pulling the plough through the ground. It was hard work for ‘Victory.’
Many Thanks to the Steam Plough Club and the SAC for this chance of a lifetime at the age of 15 and a Special thanks to Kev Mills who invited me back the following weekend to do some mole ploughing.
I was pleased to read in The Steam Plough Times that the club is looking into doing a ‘Hands On Weekend’ for the younger generation, as youngsters like Cameron and I, are the future of steam ploughing.
Jack Potter, Steam Plough Club Member
Hands on Weekend Report – September 2021
Joe and Mary Nourish kindly hosted this year’s Hands On held over the weekend 4th-5th September – the third they have staged since 2018. This was the 17th such event to be held.
Twelve members participated, four having attended previous Hands On weekends while the rest had no steam ploughing experience. There was a late withdrawal due to unforeseen circumstances and the paid-for place was donated by a generous member to the Club in the hope that it could be used by a youngster. The Steam Apprentice Club was approached and they put forward two candidates, both of whom were offered places at no cost.
Hands On engines, crews and participants line up (Photo: Victoria Kocher)
Three sets were available – the two BB1s of Joe Nourish and Peter Wilson, Brian Knight’s two BB1s, Howard Bolton’s BB1, and Hal Debes’ single together with two ploughs and a cultivator.
Joe also made sure that three additional participants were able to attend a Hands On “Extra” over the weekend 11th-12th September at which two sets of engines were available. This provided the opportunity to put to work Joe’s mole plough.
6 furrow plough with land press (Photo: Rob Dickinson)
Thanks have been received from many of those who participated, in particular to the owners, instructors and helpers who gave up their time to make the event a success and to ensure everyone enjoyed their time on the engines and implements. Not everyone found it easy going and there were some exhausted bodies by mid-afternoon on Sunday. Several required rather more guidance than others and were most appreciative of the one-on-one instruction provided.
A big thanks to everyone who turned up to help over one or both weekends, to the members who turned up to observe and photograph the proceedings, to the Steam Apprentice Club, and to Joe and Mary for once again making the event so enjoyable.
Hands On Extra Steam Apprentice Jack Potter (Photo: Ron Johl)
Some of the comments from those who attended:
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A massive thank you for the Steam Plough Clubs hands-on weekend and to the engine owners, crews and the various owners who did not have engines present, but still gave up their time to help out.
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It was a fantastic weekend with fantastic weather, I really enjoyed myself and got a lot out of the weekend. My sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the weekend go ahead.
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Well, what a brilliant weekend! It might take a couple of washes to get all the grease and oil out of my overalls, along with some gentle exercise and stretches to get my aging body back into some sort of order, but who cares – it was a fantastic way to spend time out in the glorious Rutland countryside with a great bunch of folk, all determined to have a good time and happy to share knowledge and experience with some absolute rookies like me. Please pass on my sincere thanks to all of the ‘black badge holders’ and anyone else involved behind the scenes, for a wonderful experience.
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I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the Steam Plough Clubs hands-on weekend to the engine owners, crews and the various owners who did not have engines present, but still gave up their time to help out. I met so many nice people, who genuinely just wanted to help everyone.
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I enjoyed myself greatly at the weekend. The participants were interested and interesting, and all those I instructed made visible progress over a very short time.
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A very worthwhile event.
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Please pass on my thanks to everyone that was involved in the Hands On, especially Joe without whom it would not have been possible at all.
Dick Eastwood, October 2021
Paul Johnson under instruction with Richard Playdon (Photo: Ron Johl)
Archie Sains preparing the Mole Drainer at the Hands On Extra weekend (Photo: Ron Johl)
Presentation of participation certificates (Photo: Rob Dickinson)
Hands On Participants (Photo: Victoria Kocher)
Paul Johnson under instruction with Richard Playdon (Photo: Ron Johl)
Hands On 2021
Arrangements are being made to hold a Hands On event over the weekend 4th-5th September, near Uppingham on the Rutland/Leicester border, with grateful thanks to hosts Joe and Mary Nourish.
The event will take place subject to there being no restrictions on social gatherings and travel in place at the time, and of course, weather permitting.
Participants will be given expert tuition on the handling of steam ploughing engines and the implements to be used. Numbers will be limited so everyone has the opportunity to drive and crew the engines, the plough and the cultivator.
The weekend starts with safety briefing followed by an explanation of the working of the engines and implements. After raising steam, the participants will attach the implements and set off to the working area for the day’s work. All activities are done under supervision.
Camping and caravan space is available on site, lunch packs and soft drinks are provided, and an evening dinner will be arranged for the Saturday night. The weekend will conclude at 5pm on Sunday.
The cost for the weekend is £195. This includes an instructional DVD – “An Introduction to Two Engine Cable Cultivation” that provides detailed information in preparation for the weekend. Places can be secured for a deposit of £50 which will be returned in full should the event have to be cancelled. Alternatively, the deposit will remain valid for a place at a future Hands On.
DORSET STEAM FAIR REPORT 2019
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)
The SPC display (Photo B Weatherley)
Fowler 15436 at the bottom of the hill (Photo C Flack)
Madeleine in charge at the SPC display (Photo C Flack)
Fowler 15163 with four furrow plough (Photo C Flack)
HANDS ON WEEKEND REPORT- September 2019
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
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
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
Sunday assembly with helpers, tutors, and participants
L-R Ruben, George, Charles with instructor Paul 2nd right
Joe explains the plough
Lunch break
Ruben polishing
Pulling out the rope to start the day
STEAM PLOUGH CLUB BIENNIAL LUNCH REPORT 2018
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.
Richard Pierce and Peter Stanier receive their award and The Gold Medal from Sue Frith
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
All photos courtesy of Dick Eastwood