Now in its fifth year, the Dacorum Steam Rally and Country Fayre has become one of the biggest event’s in the area’s calendar, with something on offer for all the family come rain or shine. Kelly Lavender takes a peek at what visitors to this year’s show can expect to find Plansarenowwell underway for thefifth annual Dacorum Steam Rally and Country Fayre in Potten End, which this year will take place over the weekend of 30 and 31 July. With the aim of preserving the heritage of farming at the heart of the event, the rally offers something to entertain all age groups and has become a popular date for families throughout Dacorum, with all proceeds going to the Hospice of St Francis. With thousands of visitors turning up across the two days, the event has so far raised more than £37,000 for the Hospice, an amount the organisers are hoping to add to significantly this year. Club Treasurer Dawn Bunker told My Hemel News: “The event draws in more of a crowd each year

and the funds raised for the hospice have gone up by a quarter each time, with last year’s rally raising £12,000.” The Steam Rally will once again take place at Green Croft Farm with the owner Peter Groom giving free use of his land in support of the event. Peter said: “I’m just glad to do it for the Hospice. One of my ploughing fields was cared for by the Hospice before he died and after seeing the wonderful treatment he received and how well he was cared for I’d happily do anything I can to help out.” Spread over 62 acres, the all-weather event will be opened by Alison Briant, Director of Clinical Nursing at The Hospice of St Francis and will feature two show rings with displays taking place throughout the weekend, including vintage tractors attempting to balance on a metal see-saw,

demonstrations of archery through the ages, heavy horses, steam engines, vintage cars and motor bikes and commercial lorries and military vehicles.Engine buffs will be taken in by the many vintage and rare tractors on display, including an international collection owned by Dacorum Machinery and Steam Preservation Group member David Simmons, plus a Ford Pre-force collection including a triple doe owned by fellow group member Dick Trott. With younger visitors kept entertained with tractor rides, donkey rides and Harvey the Clown, visitors to the event can also browse the various market stalls selling local produce before enjoying some light refreshments made by award-winning Hospice Catering Manager Chris Took. Event organisers are offering local companies the opportunity to get involved, with a number of sponsorship and advertising opportunities available, including in the show programme and at the ringside, with all proceeds going straight to the Hospice. “We all know The Hospice of St Francis needs as much help as we can possibly give and even more so now in these difficult time and we’re looking to make this year’s event the best yet in terms of donations.” The Hospice of St Francis provides care for patients with serious or terminal illness, plus support for their families. Based in Berkhamsted, the Hospice offers at home, in hospital and in its inpatient unit, as well as a day care and outpatient service, to people throughout south west Hertfordshire. All the care that the Hospice All the care that the Hospice provides to its patients and their families is free and needs to raise £3.5 million of charitable income each year in order to continue to run and develop its services. Dawn is also on the look-out for volunteers to help marshal visitor parking at the Steam Rally and Country Fayre over the weekend. Anyone who is able to lend a

hand or would like to pledge their support through advertising and sponsorship can email dvbunker@aol.com The Dacorum Steam and Country Fayre will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July at Green Croft Farm, Potten End. For more details visit www.dacorummachineryandsteam.co.uk

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR ANNUAL RALLY AND COUNTRY FAYRE