It is with the greatest regret that I have to announce that the show to be held this weekend at Bradford Leigh has been cancelled due to the continuing wet weather. Please let anyone you can know so that no-one has a wasted journey.
Wessex 2024 was a great success! The weather during setup was terrible but we carried on. Saturday was windy but sunny in the afternoon and we were all quite pleased to see members of the public enjoying themselves. Sunday, however was how early summer should be - sunny and warm with a gentle breeze. The atmosphere was great and the public came and had a great time.
I must thank everyone involved in the organisation , setting up and running of the show. The exhibitors who braved the weather and all the traders who, I hope, made a bit over the two days. The food was excellent and the funfair exciting. Music was provided by a fairground organ and the Bratton Silver Band.
The next event is at Bradford Leigh on the 7th and 8th September. Details on our website wessexsec.org/events and entry forms can be found on "downloads" above. See you there
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MIDSUMMER VINTAGE SHOW
The show started in 1977 when a small group from the newly-formed Wessex Stationary Engine Club held a rally at Kilmersdon Hill. In the following years WSEC exhibited at the Camerton Rally, held rallies at Longleat, including the first 1000 Engine Rally, underground at Monkton Farleigh, and Cheddar football ground, where they stayed until 1991. By then it was becoming difficult to fit everything in the football ground whilst observing their requirements, so it was very fortunate that a larger field became available just outside Semington. Apart from weather problems and the current pandemic the show was held there until our last show in 2018. After being rained off in 2019 and cancelled due to Covid in 2020 and 2021 we are now planning our latest show at the White Horse Country Park, still organised by a small but enthusiastic group of volunteers.
