Welland Steam Rally (28th - 30th July 2023)
This is one of a series of pages I have uploaded to illustrate facets of the steam rallies we have attended in the UK. Click here for the 2023 introduction and overall index.
With the likely demise of Great Dorset and both Lincoln and Bedford (Old Warden / Turvey) experiencing downsizing, a new order is emerging and with this rally Welland has made a statement of intent. Despite some disruption caused by Wednesday's heavy rain, this was an exceptional show with over 100 steam road engines, an amazing total in the present economic environment and which may not be equaled anywhere else in 2023. It wasn't just the full sized steamers, there was the usual supporting cast of vintage vehicles, not to mention the challenge of Welland Hill where the ground conditions brought most of the 'steamers' to a halt.
The programme listed 97 full sized engines with two more hidden in the road making section, also two steam cars. There were relatively few 'no shows' and a large number of late entries, so I actually photographed 109 steam engines in all, among them were three 'not seen before'. To this could be added a gallopers centre engine, two steam locomotives, a steam crane and two steam cars. It's not my scene but there were 37 miniatures listed, I suspect there were actually rather more present. One unexpected bonus was that the wet July meant that for the first time in a while the grass here was actually green, normally the cutting schedule leaves it unattractively parched and yellow.
The somewhat overcast weather on Friday proved no discouragement and Saturday saw rather more sunshine. I didn't attend on Sunday but we are on the 'weather flight path' and after a bright start it rapidly clouded over and much of the day was wet. So there was a very good crowd on Friday and on Saturday it was overwhelming with the second car park in use and almost full. I got in quite quickly on Friday at 10.00 but on Saturday the card payment system was struggling when gates opened at 08.00 and there was a delay of nearly half an hour to get in. By late morning, the wait was 'only' two hours. An alternative route round the back lane from Welland village was signposted which certainly helped but I am left wondering why the rally still persists with the 'pay and park' model rather than the near universal 'park and pay' and eschews the possibility of prepaid admission. As I experienced on Saturday, the present system is vulnerable to the slightest 'hiccup' even if the rally management and (I am told) police say that there is nothing that can be done about the offending crossroads. It's time to think 'out of the box'...
Compared to pre-pandemic, clearly economies have been made, particularly with regard to daytime entertainment and displays. However, the usual crowds in the catering / beer tent area seemed satisfied with the local dancers and brass band, together with GDSF favourite Chrystal Bliss. Spotting the latter's name on the 'playlist board' earned me some brownie points with Yuehong.
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Given how much rain had fallen here in July and in the last week in particular, it was amazing that a grand parade was possible on Saturday - the sky is a true reflection of conditions at the time.
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