A top line up of steam at the Balls Cross Vintage and Steam Show – 3rd and 4th September 2022

The Balls Cross vintage and steam show, near Petworth, West Sussex, on the 3rd & 4th of September boasted a record attendance of steam engines and exhibits. As in previous years, Blaker made a significant donation to the show as it’s a charity close to every employee’s heart.

Organised by Tony and Sylvia Haydon, the show donates all proceeds to Macmillan and has raised in excess of £30,000 to date.

An unusual exhibit that took centre stage was an 1897 Savage Centre engine owned by Reuben Bond, which has just undergone a total rebuild and will be used to drive a set of Fairground Gallopers. Our Workshop Manager, Simon Rawlins, built the organ engine in his spare time during lockdown, which is positioned at the front of the engine. Simon also exhibited his newly acquired 1898 43-key Limonaire Fairground Organ and his half-size replica Burrell diesel engine, which he built and named after his mother, Molly.

The ever-growing steam section included two Wallis & Steevens Advance Rollers, 1929/30 Fowler Roller, 1928 Foden Wagon, 1926 Burrell Traction Engine ‘William the Second’, 1922 Compound Burrell Traction Engine ‘Surprise’ and 1886 Marshall Traction Engine ‘Victoria Empress of India’.

Set in beautiful countryside close to Petworth, West Sussex, the show has something for everyone. From Vintage cars and motorcycles to military vehicles and steam engines. A range of vintage and classic exhibits gave interesting working demonstrations, and local craft and sales stands were selling models, gifts and local produce.