AN air of nostalgia mixed with the smell of old steam engines, sizzling roast pork and the clatter of historic vehicles at a vintage rally.
Thousands poured in for the 25th annual rally in the grounds of Melford Hall to take a peek at the past.
From classic cars to steam engines, military vehicles to buses, the grounds were awash with history.
Ron Mansfield, one of the organisers from the Farm Machinery Preservation Society, said the wild weather had not stopped the crowds flocking to the event.
He said: "It is a wonderful spectacle in beautiful grounds and people evidently love coming here."
Peter Wray, 80, of Long Melford, a member of the Suffolk Kite Flying Club giving a display at the event, spotted a 1924 John Fowler steam engine and was reminded of his childhood in Leeds.
"My father used to work for John Fowler when we lived up north, and I can remember when the company started making tanks for the war effort. It's wonderful that these old vehicles still survive today."
The Farm Machinery Preservation Society, celebrating its 40th year, launched the rally 25 years ago to show off vehicles that members had renovated.
Mr Mansfield said: "It became increasingly obvious that people loved seeing these old vehicles and it has grown ever since our first shows in Great Waldingfield to what we have today."
- Anyone interested in finding out more about the society should call Bill Preston on 01245 420168.
Steam engine theftsDespite the success of the rally, many exhibitors said thefts from vehicles were making life difficult for them.
Mick Higgins, 75, from Ardleigh, was showing his John Fowler steam engine, made in Leeds in 1924.
He said he loved showing the vehicle – but thieves stealing brass plaques and piping from the engine were a growing problem.
He said: "There have been so many thefts we have to go round at night removing any brass and copper parts to make sure they aren't stolen during the night. It's a shame we have to do that but that's the way things are.
"I have known it happen to others and I'm quite sure that one day I'll find the steam engine with all the precious parts missing one morning."
jonathan.schofield@sudburytoday.co.uk
