Story and photos by Chris Lawson
Steam traction engines mixed it with vintage cars at Bilsington Priory, near Ashford, Sunday July 18, to announce the 2021 Weald of Kent Steam Rally.
The gates to the Edwardian wedding venue were opened to the public who came to admire these titans of a golden age of steam, many of which are over 100 years old.
Bill Giles, director of the Weald of Kent Steam Rally said; “It’s a wonderful location for us to show off our engines. When the Priory was in its heyday, there would have been traction engines like this working here.
“These machines have survived two world wars and now a pandemic. We missed last year’s rally because of the pandemic, so everyone is really looking forward to this year.”
Local councillors Heather Hayward and Linda Harman both attended the press launch, posing for pictures on the footplate of ‘Titaness’, a Burrell steam traction engine owned by Bill Giles.
Cllr Hayward said; “I’ve really enjoyed today. It’s important to support an event that in 2019 brought about 9,000 people to the area, making a significant impact on the local economy.
I’m looking forward to this year’s rally and doing what I can to support such a great event.”
The Weald of Kent Steam Rally takes place at Little Engeham Farm, Woodchurch,
Kent TN26 3QY, August 7 – 8, 2021.
More info here: https://wealdofkentsteamrally.co.uk/