Grand Henham Steam Rally

Some of the many tractors at the 2008 Henham Steam Rally

One of the many steam engines at the 2008 Henham Steam Rally

The Grand Henham Steam Rally is held annually at the end of September at Henham Park, near Southwold, in the English county of Suffolk. It attracts a large number of exhibitors; including tractors, cars, army vehicles, fire engines, lorries and of course, steam engines. The 1975 Rally attracted approximately 200 entries whereas the current Rallies can have over 1200 entries

History

The Henham Steam Rally really started two years before it was first held at Henham. It was first held at Lower Green Farm, Sotterley; where there was a small Steam Fair organised by Len Murray. There was another similar event held a year later in Brampton. These events lacked space and it was obvious that more land and more people were needed to run the rally.

Thanks to the 4th Earl of Stradbroke the rally moved to the High Lodge area in Henham Park. The Earl also helped with funds. The main organisations involved with running the Rally are the Parochial Church Councils of Wangford-cum-Henham, Uggeshall & Sotherton; Wangford Community Council and Southwold (Sole Bay) Lions Club. They are supported by a group of volunteers and organisations who provide much needed help.

In its history at Henham, the Rally has only moved elsewhere four times. One very wet year the Rally had to be held at Sibton park near Yoxford. The 2001 Rally had to be held in a stubble field in Brampton due to the Foot & Mouth problems; Henham park being home to many sheep and cattle. In 2003 the rally was held at the Royal Norfolk Show Ground which made it easy lay out. Numbers of visitors were high as well. The 2004 Rally was held in Benacre Park.^[1]

References