MORE than 5,000 people from throughout the UK poured into Bridgnorth at the weekend to enjoy the town’s first steam rally at Severn Park. The event marked the bicentenary of the Catch Me Who Can locomotive which was built just a stone’s throw from the showground, at Foundry Yard.
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“The collection of historic steam vehicles which came together represented the development of transportation from 1802 up to the present day,” said Brian Davies, one of the organisers.
“Exhibits from Cornwall, Bristol and Manchester were joined by traction engines from across the Midlands and the display of stationary engines, classic cars, tractors and motorcycles was drawn from countywide owners. We now have something to build on for the future and after a meeting to review the event will be making announcements regarding plans for next year’s event.”
Mr Davies thanked Bridgnorth Lions and Rotary Clubs, Bridgnorth Vintage Machinery Club, Kinver and West Midlands Model Engineers and PC Kevin Morris and his team of police officers for their valuable support. He also praised a small group of individuals who gave up their time at the weekend, including Phil Leach, John Price, Peter Pike, Mark Lewis and Neil.
But vandals mar success
BRIDGNORTH Civic Society is offering a £100 reward for information leading to the arrest of vandals who attacked a commemorative plaque just days after it was unveiled.
The £1,000 plaque at Foundry Yard, marks the site where Catch Me Who Can was built. Yobs scored the plaque, which was unveiled in Doctor’s Lane last Friday, with a sharp object.
Michael Pead, of Bridgnorth Civic Society, which funded the plaque, said: “Words fail me. It looks like the plaque has been scoured with a sharp object. We don’t know exactly what’s happened yet or what we’re going to do about it.”
Anyone with information can contact the police on 08457 444 888 or society chairman Michael Rainsford on (01746) 768059..