Our Proud History - The First Stoke Rally

By today's standards, the first Stoke Goldington Steam Rally was small - more of a country fair. But it was sound enough to create a good foundation on which to build for the future. Principal features included: 10 large Steam Engines, eight stationary engines, 14 vintage tractors, one vintage car, and one fairground organ. In addition there was a Dog Show (judged by Crufts' judge Edric Watton assisted by Alan Brookes), music supplied by the Stantonbury Brass Band Ensemble, a beagle display organised by the Master of the Oakley FoxHounds, a marching display accompanied by the Royal Pioneer Corps of Drums, a Morris Dancing display, pony rides and fly fishing by the lake.

There were also charity stalls, a refreshment tent and bar, a Fish and Chip van and small funfair. The Sunday programme opened with a short church service. The whole event was a great success. The crowds enjoyed themselves, the event made a profit, and the seal was set.

In 1978 the Rally was again held at Gayhurst, but in 1979 the need for a larger field caused a move to West Side Farm, Stoke Goldington at the kind invitaion of Mr George Nicholls, where it has remained to date. Since then the Rally has gone from strength to strength, getting bigger and more diverse each year. Apart from 2001, when the dreaded Foot and Mouth epidemic put pay to the whole event, recent shows have enjoyed record numbers of visitors, bigger and better attractions and increasingly professional organisation.