History
It was in 1971 that the Haddenham Sports & Social Club approached village resident Stan Burgess with a view to holding a steam rally. Stan put the club in touch with the East Anglian Traction Engine Club (EATEC). A joint committee was put in place and the first event was held on the 4th & 5th September that year. The next rally was held in 1974, this followed by a 3rd show in 1976, from then onwards the rally has been run annually. The original site of the rally was on the opposite side of the A1421, closer to the Sutton Road. 1976 saw Haddenham welcome its first Celebrity Guest, the page 3 model Nina Carter. She was followed by the actress Anne Kirkbride in 1980. Other guests over the years have included Helen Worth, Patrick Anthony, Melanie Hill, Beverley Callard, Peter Shilton, Katie Hill, Derek Martin and folk legends The Wurzels in 2008. In 1978, the rally moved to its present site of the old brickworks on Station Road. The “Clay Pits” as it is known hosts 3 lakes and the site now covers approx 100 acres. In 1983 Kelvin Young was elected as Rally Chairman, a position that he still holds today. Kelvin who had been Stationary Engine & Vintage Tractor Steward since 1979, replaced Kevin Swann. Until 1996 the Rally was still run on behalf of EATEC & the Haddenham Sports & Social club. The rally committe decided it needed to run independently of both organisations. This decision has enabled the rally to help many more local clubs & charities. The rally still has close links to its founding clubs. The rally celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2008, and is still going strong raising money for many local and national charities. The event now attracts exhibitors from all over the country, and includes over 600 exhibits from a bygone age. For over 25 years the event has been an authorised National Traction Engine Trust rally and as such follows the Trust's Rally Organisers Code of Practice, a copy of which can be found HERE. The NTET is an 'Authorising Body' under the terms of the Motor Vehicles (off road events) Regulations 1995. 2009 saw significant changes to the organising committee including the retirement of two longstanding members. Robert Pumfrey was one of the founding members of the rally and served 35 years on the committee as Steam Secretary. Robert's position on the committee has been filled by local steam engine owner Matthew Peacock (Marshall TE 52435 "Iron Horse"). Maurice Summerfield served for many years on the committee and has lately been in charge of the trade stands. Maurice is replaced by Mark & Sarah Hodge, who have been volunteers at the rally for over 20 years. Denise Young stood down as Rally Secretary, being replaced by her daughter-in-law Ruth Young. Denise will continue in her roles as Treasurer & Craft Marquee organiser. Trevor Hodge was elected to the committee, and Terry Young was elected to the position of Vice Chairman, taking over from Robert Pumfrey. In 2009 the rally had the following exhibits 32 Steam Engines, 25 steam models, 7 fair organs, 170 vintage tractors, 220 vintage vehicles, 95 stationary engines, 20 bygones displays, over 20 heavy horses and a bygones tent. | Front cover of the 1971 programme
Burrell SRL 3979 EARL HAIG at the rally in 1971 when in the care of Stan Burgess.
The Steam engines pose for photographs in the main arena in 1989, with guest actress Diana Davies who played in Mrs Bates in Emmerdale. |
