Rudgwick Steam and Country Show

I attended this year’s Rudgwick steam and country show as I have done for a few years now.

It is funny that it was at this show, I got started with my involvement in SEAMS. It was a couple of years before I joined the club. I had purchased an engine and spent time restoring it with my interest in engineering taking me forward. Then once completed, I realized I should do something with it…

I recall that I approached Ian Sampson who was behind the rope and got talking about the club. This  led to me asking for a couple of club membership application forms and the rest is history as they say.

This year SEAMS was in its usual position, where Ian Sampson, Dave Carpenter and myself on the Monday evening before, had measured the pen out and erected the posts and ropes. It always seems strange when you see a blank field compared to what it looks like with all the exhibits and trade stands in place.

This year, our outlook was a different one as the usual craft tent was not present and we had a Children’s quad bike track and a four position harnessed trampoline ride to look at. That seemed to do very well as I was told it was five pounds for five minutes.

I arrived on the Friday evening joining the line-up of campers with Cyril’s camper van lining up next to Phil and Pip Sampson. I enjoy the setting up on the Friday as feel very set for the opening on the Saturday morning.

The SEAMS line up was very impressive with most of the usual members and I am pleased to say some new ones with Terry joining the line up in the top corner. Feel free next year to give us a few more new faces as this is very welcome.

One thing that did seem strange was that John Robinson was missing from the line up but I am pleased to say he was represented by his son and one of his engines. Rudgwick had a good selection of Auto jumble in the lower field and I think we all visited it at least a couple of times, you know how it is, you are convinced they should have something you really need…

I think there is a good cross section of classic cars and commercials and a good turnout of tractors. Not so many Full size steamers but a few miniatures.

The weather was kind over the three days with, if I recall, only a light shower so all in all better than last year which  ended up with a few having to be towed out.

Look forward to 2017

Steve Rowland