Commercial Co-ordinator of the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre at Quainton, Sara Jefferson, summed up the Centre’s Traction Engine Rally weekend (24th & 25th September) as “Amazing, Fantastic – and an overall great success!”
Hundreds of visitors crowded among the full-scale and miniature Traction Engines, a display of working Static Engines, commercial vehicles, interesting cars of all types, a Stone Crusher and two Steam Saw Benches.
About 20 Costumed cyclists of the GB Veteran Cycle Club rode their antique machines around the Centre, while owl-flying demonstrations fascinated and amazed the crowds.
“The best part of all,” said Sara, “ was the Grand Parade around the Visitor Centre and adjacent telephone exchange – a real test of drivers’ skills, rather than round and round a flat, grassed arena – it was very popular, and really drew the crowds, who were very excited to see such a spectacle!”
As well as the passenger steam train rides, other activities within the Centre included Ferris wheels, swing boats and a paint-balling game.
Shoppers could browse the many trade and craft stalls, while for those needing a sit-down, on Saturday the Aylesbury Concert Orchestra provided a great variety of music to great applause, and on Sunday father and daughter duo `Roy and Emma` gave lovely renditions of popular songs.
