While looking at some of the rallies held during Old Glory’s milestone years it is interesting to see how many are no longer held for various reasons, though the rally calendar for this year still has plenty to go and visit.
1988
Starting back in 1988 when Old Glory was first published, one of the first rallies I visited was held at Parham Park in Sussex on 18-19 June, organised by Phil Read. It ran for a number of years with a strong emphasis on steam engines placed in various positions on the field attracting large crowds. I even exhibited my recently-restored 1929 Commer lorry on a couple of occasions.
Having lapsed for a number of years the rally was restarted by the SSEC last year, replacing the old Wiston rally which was held nearby. In 1988 43 full-size engines were listed in the programme. Back then programmes cost 50p-£1, rising to £2.65 in 2022. The rally attracted some long-distance exhibits; the Howard Brothers came from Derbyshire with Fowler showman’s engine . One engine that has not been seen in the South, No. 7612 of 1912, which had recently been restored by Bicknells and others for Jim Hutchens.
