Report from 2008 Rally
Blessed with sunshine throughout, the 2008 Rally attracted a record crowd and the feedback from visitors suggests that it was a most enjoyable event and considered to be great value for money. Is it any wonder that the Henham Rally is growing in popularity year on year?
One of the highlights was the pageant in the main ring looking at the development of public road transport. From the entry into the ring of the 18th century stagecoach to the arrival of one of today’s advanced buses, the large crowd was kept fascinated and entertained by a parade of vintage vehicles, some of which would have brought nostalgia to many older members of the audience.
While the story was being told by narrator Adam Collacott, colour was added to the scene by characters in period costume provided by members of the Beccles Helping Hands Group.
This was the second pageant to be featured at the Rally and is part of the educational ethos of its charitable status. Watch out for news of the 2009 event!
Power and the glory of steam
Whatever entertainment is provided the steam engines are the real stars at Henham and 2008 was no exception. Nearly 40 engines, full size and miniature, were entered and many were attending Henham for the first time. The working steam demonstrations, as usual, attracted much attention and help keep alive an important part of our agricultural heritage.
Other vintage vehicles
Vintage car enthusiasts would have been delighted by the quality and quantity of the vehicles on parade this year. Over 200 pre 1960 cars entered and of particular interest were the number of very early examples.
Classic cars (1960 to 1974) were also well represented. This category was only introduced into the rally 3 years ago and the number of entries increases each year and is now up to 120. For the ‘baby boomer’ generation these are the cars they grew up with – no wonder they attract so much attention.
Motor cycles, as usual, attracted a lot of interest with over 100 on display. One of the most interesting was the BMW motorbike and sidecar used by Harrison Ford and Sean Connery in the filming of ‘Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade’.
Commercial and Military vehicles. It was good to see a big increase in the number of entries this year and long may it continue. The commercials were enhanced by the number of buses attending; mainly there to participate in the pageant. It is to be hoped that this will stimulate other owners of vintage buses to attend in future.
Tractors were much in evidence. Henham is a must for most vintage tractor owners in the area and the size, and the wide variety of vehicles on show, is always of great interest to tractor enthusiasts. Over 150 took part this year.
Stationary engines were there in great numbers and judging by the number of people around the displays there’s no doubting the interest they generate. Although not able to parade their prize possessions around the main ring, the owners do a great job of demonstrating the variety and versatility of machines that were once the mainstay of many industries in the area.
The Henham Rally proved once again that it really is a great day out for the whole family. There was just so much to see quite apart from the huge displays of vintage vehicles and machinery
Here is just a flavour of what was on offer:-
Two craft marques featured displays and demonstrations covering a wide range of interests from a wood carver to a blacksmith.
Model engineering exhibition demonstrated radio controlled boats and a stunning model aircraft flying display that was a major attraction in itself. The area also included miniature railway and traction engine rides for the kids as well as the opportunity to see the skills of the many model enthusiasts who exhibited their work.
Ken Fox’s Wall of Death is always a favourite at Henham and this year was no exception. It seemed to attract a large audience throughout.
Live music is always well represented at Henham providing additional entertainment. This year saw the Ipswich Hospital Band performing on the band stand on Saturday and the Woodbridge Excelsior Band on Sunday. Interspersed with these were performances by the Lowestoft Signing Choir and on Sunday, Winston the Singing Farmer also made a welcome return to Henham.
In the two rings, Sunday saw performances from the Glenmoriston Pipe Band and the Southwold and Reydon Corps of Drums.
Other features in the rings included a very entertaining sheepdog display by Elaine Hill, from Yorkshire and a splendid display of heavy horses by Nigel Oakley.
Children were well catered for too with a Punch & Judy Show and a magical fun show by Andy the Clown.
The fair, that included many vintage rides including Downs’ famous gallopers, was another attraction as too were the many fairground organs that were performing around the rally ground.
Over 200 trade, craft and charity stalls, another record, also provided much interest with stallholders reporting very good levels of business. Henham is recognised as one of the best shows for doing business which is, perhaps, why each year there is an increasing demand for stand space. Unfortunately the amount of space available for trade stands is limited and this year some ‘late bookers’ were disappointed so, for those wishing to participate in 2009, the advice is to book early. Please see our Contacts page for contact details.
The increase in visitor numbers was also reflected in the number of caravans and campers choosing to stay at the park from the Friday to the Monday. Nearly 400 took advantage of this facility that includes entry to the Rally. It’s incredibly good value for money but, again, space is limited so early booking for next year is essential.
Overall the 2008 Grand Henham Steam Rally really did live up to its name. It is to be hoped that this success will result in a good financial outcome for the benefit of those local charities for whom we are totally committed.