Balls Cross Charity Rally Aug 31/Sept 1st 2019

By Mark Tewkesbury

With the Bank Holiday falling early this year, Tony Haydon’s event moved a week forward and meant it did not clash with ‘Harvesting’. Having bought a bargain basement Bamford a few weeks before, this was hurriedly prepared to take along. It was a mixed day, typical of an English Summer but despite this, the show was heaving and the car park full. I found a spot next to Bill, Colin and Richard Winter. My little Bamford looking slightly dwarfed by the large lumps of metal next to it! Sunday was a bit better, arriving to find Andy and James Skinner next to me, with James’ newly acquired Lister A type. As usual, there was quite a gathering of engines, with a varied selection. It was nice to see Jenny Jefferies there with Jim Anderson and Bill Sambles making a weekend of it from their respective home counties. Jim showing the Glasgow made Wallace ‘sleeve valve’ engine and Bill the lovely little Blackstone vertical ‘Hot Bulb’. It came as no surprise then to hear that Jenny won the award for best engine at the show. A great weekend, thanks to Tony and Silvia.