Full steam ahead for vintage pair

TWO best friends travelled more than 800 miles to exhibit their refurbished cars at the Stoke Row Steam Rally last weekend.

About 8,000 people attended the event, which featured 100 full-size and miniature steam engines.

There were also about 1,200 exhibits, including classic cars, motorcycles, vintage tractors, lorries, military vehicles and plant machinery.

Other attractions included a fairground, live music, food and drinks stalls, a craft tent and a tour of the site on a tractor.

Ingulf Jensen, 68, displayed his 1964 Ford Anglia, which he has had for eight years and Jan Sommergreen, 69, displayed his 1955 Ford Fairlane Skyliner, which he has had for 52 years.

The pair, from Denmark, became friends around 15 years ago through their love of renovating cars and caravans.

They are touring the south coast of England in their vintage cars, visiting other rallies during their three-week holiday.

Mr Jensen has completed a total renovation of the interior and exterior of his 61-year-old car, totalling around £2,500.

He said: “We went from and through Denmark and through Holland and then we came over here on the ferry. We’re going to Bath, then heading south to Land’s End, then back east around London before heading home.

“We landed here at the rally because we like the exhibits here because they’re different to the ones in Denmark. They have everything here, such as steam machines, tractors and lorries. At home it’s all separate.

“We’ve been to other rallies before in the UK but this is our first time at Stoke Row. We’ve found it really good, if only the weather were a little better.”

Ian Shears, 64, a service engineer from Goring, exhibited his 1972 V8 Triumph Stag for the first time.

He said: “I’ve owned it for 30 years. It still has the original engine but, to keep it going, I have had it re-sprayed, completely rebuilt the roof professionally and done general maintenance, like putting an exhaust on it 15 years ago.”

Tony Adcock, 65, from Benson, showed his 3.4-litre Jaguar. He said: “I’ve had this for seven years and it’s had three owners. The previous one completely rebuilt it.

“I’ve also got a classic Ford Cortina, which my son was going to bring but he couldn’t make it.”

Clive Hartwright, 79, a beef farmer with more than 300 acres, travelled 24 miles from Kintbury to display his 1917 Richard Garrett and Sons steam engine, which he has had for two years.

He said: “It was sold to the Ministry of Defence at the end of the First World War. In 1920, it was sold back to Garrett. I was into it as a youngster because a neighbouring farmer had one and I was brought up with him.”

He also brought an 1887 Richard Hornsby, which he has had for 25 years, adding: “It’s part of our heritage, as it’s a genuine Victorian engine. One year, you get a breakdown and go through it, and the next, there are no problems, so I’ve spent a fair bit of money on it.”

Rebecca Hughes, 37, an occupational therapist, and her son Theo, four, who grew up in Henley, attended the rally.

Theo had his face painted as his favourite superhero, Captain America, by a member of the Parent Teacher Association of Stoke Row Primary School.

He said his favourite vehicle to see was an old fire engine.

Ms Hughes said: “We just came for the day because Theo wanted to have a look around. We’ve had a lovely time. I think it’s great for families, there’s lots to do and see.

“Theo really enjoyed seeing the tractors and the steam engines. He went on some of the rides like the bumper cars, which he really enjoyed too.”

Karen Dougherty, who chairs the primary school’s parent teacher association, said: “We had lots of homemade cakes made by parents, tea and coffee. We’ve had face-painting for children and toys such as Lego, so the kids can play, and the parents can enjoy some downtime.

“Saturday was wet, so it wasn’t as busy as you would expect but you get a lot of enthusiasts who come no matter the weather. Sunday more than made up for it. We had a fabulous day with so many people and families here, so the face-painting was hugely popular.

“We’re raising money for the school, which allows us to provide resources for the children and workshops, which enhance all the stuff they do normally and allow them to do more.”

Guy Champion, a member of the rally committee, said: “We think we had around the same number of attendees as last year but most turned up on the Sunday because of Saturday’s weather.

“The ground dried up pretty quickly, even in those conditions, so there was lots of fun on Saturday night and Sunday and wheelchairs and pushchairs could still get around easily.

“A big thank-you to all the visitors, exhibitors, and volunteers who assisted throughout and attended the event.”