SEAMS News Archives

Letter from the Editor March 2014

Oh Dear! What about the weather!  The Winter programme was pretty much decimated including our own New Years bash.

We had planned a revised date for that event and a rushed newsletter to let you know, but just as it was about to go to press we had the disastrous storms on the Devon coast and the predicted outlook that it wasn’t going to get any better, any time soon! so plans got shelved once again! I hope everyone has survived the gales and flooding OK. Its been wet in Horsham but being on the High Weald, apart from some minor flooding it has been more tree damage locally.

We have some goodbyes to make. Chris Page has decided to step down from the committee. I hope you will join me in thanking him for his input and wish him well for the future. I have also received the news recently that Ron Aldous, a long standing member has sadly passed away, our condolences go to his wife, Rose.

Winter Gas Up In view of the fact that this is also a fund raising event and taking into account the weather forecast, it was decided to postpone the January date.  Of course on the day, the storm abated and it was reasonably dry but with sodden ground conditions and a wet day before for setting up, this was the right decision and we weren’t alone. Tony Haydon who had a gathering on the same day did just the same.

Sunday 30th March is now the date to put in your diary and we hope for better weather this time! Jacquie and her helpers will still be supporting the event with hot food and drinks available for a small fee. All monies raised going to Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. There will also be an opportunity to view some of Paul Cooks collection which is being put up for sale. There is something for everyone from starter Petter A1’s to complete tractors. Not all will be available to see on the day but if you are interested, come along and ask for more information. Please contact Ian Sampson to let us know if you wish to attend and please don’t forget this event!.. its for a good cause.

Gas Up and Bring & Buy. Southdowns Garden Centre at Hassocks. Don’t forget that if showing an engine, you will need new insurance in place and pitches for sellers are £5. The date is 16th March.

Club Nights. A successful night was held in January with some very interesting videos from Tony Harcombe. Our thanks to him for supplying them. February, Brian Johnson gave us a very interesting and topical talk with slides of the ’87 storm and Rallies from around that time. March, we have a talk on the Wey & Arun Canal and Brewhurst Mill which should be interesting especially as Brewhurst Mill retains its Blackstone Heavy Oil engine. April, we have a guided tour of West Blatchington Windmill by Peter Hill. For those that have never met him, Peter has a fantastic knowledge of Mills and an excellent wit! No talk by Peter is ever boring. So please come along and enjoy the evening, there is a small charge but it does go to help the Windmill. There are limited places for this tour so please let me or Ian know if you intend to come along as extras can be accommodated but it would be nice to know how many.

Cobbs Mill. Talking of Mills we are looking at a possible date of Sunday 18th May for a small gas-up at the Mill provided it stops raining! Nothing is fixed yet so if you are interested, keep this date free or contact Peter Hoyles for more info nearer the date.

Membership & Insurance. If you haven’t renewed yet please be aware that this will be your last newsletter and you will no longer be covered by the clubs insurance. A renewal form is included should you need it. Unfortunately Tony has had more short spells in hospital. At the moment his wife Pauline is managing things, so please be patient if you have sent off your forms. Also anyone wanting to participate in shows Tony is down to run, please contact Ian in the first Instance. I hope you will join me in wishing Tony a speedy recovery.

Awkward Calendar  Every now and again a year crops up that seems to throw all the dates wrong. Well 2014 seems to be like that. Firstly with Easter falling late this year, our popular early season event at Saddlescombe Farm now clashes with West Grinstead Church Rally and Jenny Jeffries Open Day so it looked like Saddlescombe would have to be rested this year. Fortunately the new farm tennants are running a sheep herd and have their own ‘Lambing Weekend’ over the 12th/13th April so SEAMS have agreed to put on a display both days, contact Ian please. Also the Lions Fun Day at Buckingham Park now clashes with the Oare Rally in Wiltshire and Neunen in Holland. As both are popular with club members, it looks like we need some new faces to come forward to support Buckingham Park please.

Paul Brown has asked if any members would like to bring along an engine to the Heavy Horse Show at Blindley Heath, Surrey on the weekend of May 17th/18th. Paul can be contacted on 07760 354126 or e-mail

Tony Peirce has negotiated another new event for SEAMS with a display requested at the Ansty Village Fete, August Bank Holiday Monday 10am till 4pm. Anyone interested in going should please contact Pete Hoyles. See events list. Also John Peters would like to advise members that the Hurstpierpoint Ploughing Match would like a few engines on October 4th please. Full details next month.

Last acceptances for the next newsletter will be around April 29th.