Celebrating their 40th year in existence, The Robey Trust, a heritage engineering charity in Tavistock, is delighted to continue the long held tradition of hosting the annual Tavistock Steam & Vintage Steam Fair, this year on Sunday 4th June between 10am-5pm, in Bedford Car Park.
No less than seven full-size road steam engines of varying styles are expected to attend and provide passenger trailer rides around the town throughout the day. One special guest engine will be a nimble, J-type Foden steam lorry in a bright green livery, built in the 1920s the lorry is capable of achieving speeds up to 25mph! Another specialty will be the impressive 1917 Garrett 4CD showman’s tractor painted in a resplendent maroon red with decorative, gleaming brass. Listen to the hum of the dynamo whirr away and watch the cluster of lights flicker above.
A range of vintage vehicles from the local area will be on display including vintage tractors, classic cars, commercials, military vehicles and motorcycles. The event is being generously supported by the Tavistock Lions, along with many local craft, food and drink businesses. Sit back and enjoy the assortment of entertainment throughout the day, including live music, a ride-on miniature railway and selection of model collections. Entry is just £3, which includes a free trailer ride.
The Tavistock Steam & Vintage Fair helps to support The Robey Trust charity preserve, restore and operate an extensive collection of over 35 road and stationary steam exhibits manufactured by Robey & Co Ltd, of Lincoln. Following grant funding in 2020, Stumbles, Tavistock’s resident steam roller which started the collection in 1983, continues to be restored for future generations to enjoy.
Throughout the year the charity’s volunteers work hard to support the town and provide a range of services to the community, including: event attendance, steam-hauled trailer rides, driving experiences and group tours of the workshops, off Pixon Lane. Amongst the various restoration projects in progress, inside the workshops, an industrious hive of activity continues to make the charity more sustainable, including new displays and activities for visitors to enjoy. To celebrate the National Heritage Open Days – the charity workshops will once again be open for the popular ‘Sausage, Cider & Steam’ weekend event, this year on 16th-17th September, between 11am-5pm. Entry is free, if you haven’t been before a visit is certainly worthwhile!