Breamore House Power & Machinery of The Past Rally 2025

By David Ralph

While some SEAMS members were displaying engines at the local Parham Steam Rally a few members ventured down to Breamore House near Fordingbridge for probably the best stationary engine event. Organised by Dennis and Chris Barnes, plus several helpers including SEAMS member Sean Murrell.

Sean seemed to be constantly on the go all weekend flying around helping out. This year the special theme was Scottish engines and a good number of large open cranks took pride of place in the middle of the walled garden. Other engines were arranged around the garden and there were plenty of real gems.

Everyone attending likes to bring their best or rarest engine so the display is truly awesome. SEAMS members Alan & Sue Goodchild (Blackstone and Ruston), Richard Amos (Japy), Michael & Jackie Brown (Lister A), Tony Parsons (Ingeco) and myself (Fairbanks Eclipse) exhibited in a line together under the shade of the tall wall.  Over the other side was Alan Harris with his Amanco, Steve Mills with his Pinkney and Sean with his Detroit. Apologies if I missed any other members.

Many exhibitors arrive on Thursday and by Friday afternoon the site was nearly full. A good number of engines ran on Friday evening. The range of engines was amazing. A pair of 1880’s Bischopp non-compression engines running together isn’t something you see at every rally!

At 10 o’clock on Saturday evening there were 81 engines running. A truly memorable event. There are lots of pictures of the event on the internet and many videos on You Tube if you want to see what you missed. It was so hot over the weekend I didn’t take any photographs so here a couple courtesy of Richard Amos.