Steam rally pulls crowds (From Gazette Series)

Steam rally pulls crowds

"ABSOLUTELY fine" was the verdict on North Nibley Steam Rally at the weekend. Although the weather was not perfect and there was not a record crowd, the event was still hailed as a big success.

A thousand more people went through the gates on the Friday, compared with last year.

And an almost identical number turned out on Saturday as on last year's Saturday, with numbers slightly down on Sunday.

Organiser Clive Wytchard said: "The weather improved on the Sunday but it was just a bit too late for people who like to look out of their windows early in the morning and plan the day.

"Everyone still had a beautiful time - all those vintage vehicles are really popular, and the falconers provided entertainment that was a bit different." The auction - on the first day of the three-day event - continued for an hour longer than last year's, attracting a huge amount of bidders.

The flag of St George was very much in evidence this year, with the rally coinciding with the Euro 2004 soccer competition.

For the transport enthusiast there was an impressive number of steam engines, vintage cars,vans and lorries, modern classic cars, vintage tractors, motorcycles and cycles plus dozens of examples of the Dursley-built Lister Autotruck filled the site. Military vehicles also formed a big display. A number of model steam vehicles were operated, with a lot of enthusiasts able to enjoy a ride. Stationary engines also featured, including many made by Lister.

A fun fair, with traditional music provided by fairground organs, was popular with young people

Takings will be known in a few weeks, with profits to be divided among several local charities.

See also Picture Special for more scenes from the 2004 rally