Tar Monkey Engine Meet 2026

Somerset. March 2026
By Andrew Headings – SEAMS Event Secretary

Leaving a rainy West Sussex I drove down from Worthing to Wellington near Taunton in North Somerset. It was here that I attended the Tar Monkey engine enthusiast meet which is organised by Mr David Lacey.

This was my first time attending one of these meets and as I arrived on the industrial site where David runs his business, I was greeted by over 100 stationary engines of all ages and types. There were some lovely engines including big Listers and Petter engines. The latter of which are classed as being local, as they were manufactured initially in Yeovil just down the road. These ranged from generator sets to double headed engines.

There was also a very rare Petter engine which belongs to David which was made in France under license. David showed his extensive collection of Lister D engines which as you will probably know, is celebrating 100 years since the first engine was manufactured.

On display were over 20 Lister D engines in a long line. Needless to say, going to this event has really encouraged me to get to as many shows and engine events as I can this year.

I hope that you will be able to join me at some.

For more images, please click here.

All Tar Monkey images are courtesy of Andrew Headings.