One of the “stars” at this year’s Masham Steam Engine & Fair Organ Rally has been given the once over by staff from a local brewery, ahead of it going on formal display!
For the vehicle in question is scale model of a 1930’s T&R Theakston dray wagon, complete with company livery and a special wooden cask made by cooper Jonathan Manby.
The 1:4.5in model Foden steam wagon has been created by Harold Nash, of Lancaster, and will be amongst scores of steam engines, traction engines and fairground organs on display in the North Yorkshire town today and Sunday (July 21 and 22).
Now in its 47th year, the event – which has been sponsored by T&R Theakston Ltd since its inception in 1965 – is one of the largest of its kind in the country, attracting visitors and exhibitors from across the UK.
T&R Theakston Executive Director Simon Theakston said:
Our support for the Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally goes back to the very first, and we are delighted to have been an integral part of its success for almost half a century.
Like the Sheep Fair, the Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally is one of the highlights of Masham’s annual calendar of activities. It’s a great tourist attraction, an event for all the family, and people from far and wide come to it, year in, year out.
I’m also thrilled that one of the exhibits is a replica Theakston dray wagon, which is authentic in every detail, including the wooden barrel made by our Cooper, Jonathan Manby.
Steam Engine & Fair Organ Rally organiser Flo Grainger said:
We are extremely grateful for Theakston’s continuous support. We can honestly say that Theakston’s sponsorship has saved this year’s rally, and without their support and encouragement we would not have had the will or means to carry on.
This year rally features more than 30 steam engines along with 30 miniature steam engines.
New for this year is a horticultural section, with vintage caravans, a fairground with arena events, including a bird of prey the display, martial arts exhibition by a local Olympic hopeful, engine events and vehicle parades, as well as members of ‘The Strike’ who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.
