Never believe the forecast, that's our new motto. We were warned of showers, but in the end we would almost have welcomed a cooling downpour! A bright and sunny day brought no less than 15 Jaguars and Daimlers out of the woodwork for the Steamfest event at Westbury. Held at Pearn's Steamworld in the heart of Westbury, this event is a great day out for lovers of steam and machinery. We were located in a small sheltered area immediately adjacent to the main complex, and the early arrivals quickly took advantage of a large sheltering oak tree.
After our initial muster, most decided to get a startup coffee at Andy's Bakery, just a short walk away (some even succumbed to the wicked culinary delights on offer as well...) Then it was back to Steamfest for a leisurely wander among the gently hissing monsters of the steam age, and a fascinating stroll among the huge number of assorted items of farm machinery, working models, and quaint mechanical devices on show. (Ever seen a pedal-powered automatic knife sharpener? We have!) There was some interesting trivia on display as well; one huge tractor had a sign noting that it cost a mere 750 pounds to purchase, but at the same time, you could buy a 100 acre farm in Scottsdale for 600 pounds!
Our display of cars consisted of Rod Swan in his XK150, the Rodmans in their Mark 2, the Wilson's Mark 1, Barry Reynolds brought along an S-type, the Rush family were in their XK8, Kelvin Calahan and his son came in a Daimler Sovereign and and XJS, Bob and Margaret Graham were in their Mark 10, new member Alastair Lippis brought his Daimler Consort DB18, Mark Wheatley decided on his S-type, the Pitts brought along an X-type 3L sport and a Mark 1, the Nations were in their E-type, and Geoff and Tony and the Ransons were in their XJ6 series 2s.
After a leisurely lunch, some of the ladies wandered in the Westbury 'CBD' for a spot of sightseeing, while the gents took a closer look - or even a walking-pace ride - around the displays. The Grand Parade that had been promised turned out to be a VERY stately couple of laps of the complex by the steam tractors and engines on display; given the hot day and the slow pace, the assembled Jaguars declined to participate (after all, we would have stolen the lime light from the stars of the show...)
We slowly dispersed mid afternoon, happy after a most relaxing day. We've been promised another invitation in future, and I think most of those who attended would gladly come back for a day of 'puff and steam'.
Geoff and Tony