STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB MAGAZINE
EDITOR
Barry Sumsion, 1 Leicester Road, Newport, South Wales NP9 7ER Tel: 01633 262197 Fax: 01633 259089
CHAIRMAN, STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB
John Bosworth, 74 Main Road, Smalley, Derby DE7 6EF Tel: 01332 880405 between 8.00am and 10pm only
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
John Cook, Dolfarni, Church Lane, Kirby la Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9NU. Correspondence only.
The Editor welcomes any contributions of articles, shorter items or photographs for inclusion in future issues. All material submitted is voluntary and payment cannot be made for any material published. The opinions expressed in the magazine, with the exception of Club announcements, are those of the contributors and do not indicate the views of the Club as a whole. All items are held copyright by the contributor and the NTET.
Please send your contributions to the Editor at least five weeks before publication. Typed articles are preferred but not essential. If band written put any names of PEOPLE, PLACES or ENGINES in BLOCK CAPITALS. If you require any part of your article (eg photos} returning please say so and enclose a stamped addressed envelope. Enclose your name, address and (if Apprentice) age with any contribution.
The Editor Teserves the right to amend or refuse contributions, and will attempt to correct spel!ing and grammar!
The Magazine is normally published during the early part of January, April, July and October. The Club accepts no liability for failure to meet intended publication dates.
The Steam Apprentice Club is a section of the National rrraction Engine Tnist. NTET is a Registered Charity, No. 291578. Registered in Engb1ml No. l!-102197. Registered Office: Forum House, 1~6Millmead, Middlesex rrWlH <'IUQ.
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First of all, let me say sorry to you all, for the fact that this magazine is a little late getting to you. A combination of me being unusually busy with my work and some contributors also being delayed in getting things to me, has meant a late start, and hence a late finish! My work has been so busy that even visits to rallies and other related events have been pitifully few so far this year. Things are beginning to ease a little now, so I hope to catch up a bit. Some of the younger apprentices have sent in their contributions and I thank them for their efforts. But where are the contributions from you older apprentices? Come on now lads and lasses, I know from visiting only a few rallies this year that many of you are out there and active on the rally field. Why have you not written to tell me how you have enjoyed the 1996 steam season so far? Soon we shall have the Great Dorset Steam Fair upon us, and that brings the Steam Apprentice Club sharply into focus, with its own corner in the National Traction Trust's marqueehopefully with a traction engine available both to familiarise yourselves with arid to provide the 'cooker' to prepare "Breakfast on the Shovel" for apprentices on the Sunday morning. Also, of course, it is the place where all your photographic cornpetition and colouring competition entries are gathered, Steam Apprentice Philip Coles shivers in front judged, and prizes of his father's Burrell Scenic "General presented. The rules and Gough" at the Hungerford Victorian Evening the colouring drawing in December 1995. Photo: Peter Donovan.
appear later in the magazine. So come on get your entries in as quickly as possible by the closing date. As usual the photographic winners' photos will appear in the magazine and all winners of both competitions will be announced.
Now here's something really exciting that you can become involved with. On the weekend of 28th and 29th September, the National Traction Engine Trust is organising a Steam Engine Road Run in the area to the north of Northampton. This run celebrates 21 years since the last such run, which itself celebrated the Trust's 21 years. The Trust has asked that Steam Apprentices, who consider themselves sufficiently responsible, volunteer as programme sellers. You will probably operate in pairs, and the programme selling is under the control of your Chairman, John Bosworth. Please get in touch with John and let's see the SAC well represented on this unique occasion.
So, what we need are your reports on what you've been up to this year, your competition entries and your presence at the SAC stand at the Great Dorset, and of course, your presence at the NTET Road Run. Let's show just how useful steam apprentices can be!
Barry Sumsion, Editor
Mike Brain's Fowler Showman's Tractor No 17077 at Speech House Rally, Forest of Dean. I was told this engine was converted from a run down roller in the owner's front garden!
CHAIRMAN'S COLUMN
Browsing through the Autumn 1995 edition of 'Raising Steam', I read in the Editor's column his usual request for articles, suggesting that people may think they are not able to write anything of interest. When I took on the Chairmanship of the Steam Apprentice Club I began to wonder what was involved - then I realised that the Chairman's Column was now my responsibility. The last time that I had put pen to paper was during an English lesson at school - I think it was called "English Composition" and that was before World War II! So, writing the Chairman's Column was quite a daunting task, in fact positively frightening! What was I going to write about ... and with my spelling and English grammar ... the frightening thoughts continued.
However, the Editor called and I had a go and now it has become an enjoyable task so come on all you apprentices, have a go, I'm sure you'll enjoy it, too. The Editor will correct your spelling and he won't give you a hundred lines, either.
I've received a letter from Steam Apprentice Alex Durling to say how disappointed he was that the two day training course had to be cancelled due to lack of support. It must also have been a disappointment to the other Steam Apprentices who had applied to come to Klondyke Mill. I was sorry, too, that it could not take place as I had been looking forward to meeting not only the Steam Apprentices but also their parents.
I will be standing down as Chairman at the National Traction Engine Trust Annual General Meeting after a three year stint, but with family and business commitments, spare time is becoming less and less. I have asked John Durling from Yorkshire, who some members will have met, if he will carry the Chairman's flag. No decision has yet been made but he certainly seems interested, proving support will be forthcoming.
I have received a telephone call from Steam Apprentice Club member Scott Fiscell who would like to recriut Steam Apprentices to help at The Tees Pumping Station, Darlington. This is, I'm sure, very interesting and rewarding work. Scott's address is 260 Osric Place, Newton Aycliff, County Durham DL5 400 (no telephone number is available).
Steam Apprentice Club Representatives will be at the following rallies: David Parkin will be at his roller at:
Pickering 26, 27th & 28th July
Driffield 10th & 11th August
Lincoln 17th & 18th August
Harewood 24th, 25th & 26th August
Stuart Gaines will be at:
Downes 6th & 7th July
Woodcote 13th & 14th July
Netley Marsh 26th & 28th July.
Please ring Stuart on 01635 580126 in advance if you wish to be placed with an engine.
John Bosworth, Chairman
MAILBAG
Dear Editor,
My Grandpa has asked me to write to you as he thought the article, from the Northern Echo in the last issue of "Raising Steam" was unfair to Mr Fowler. Grandpa thought if this was an example of their historical reporting what is the rest like.
People reading the article may not know that Joseph Pease was the first Quaker to enter Parliament as an M.P., or that John Fowler was a Quaker. When John Fowler went north to Middlesbrough he joined the firm of Gilkes, Wilson and Leatham. They were founded by Edgar Gilkes who was a native of Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. He was a Quaker and well known to John Fowler's grandfather. Later John Fowler went to Bristol where he was in business with Albert Fry and they designed a horse drawn plough which was manufactured by Ransomes & May at Ipswich. All these people were Quakers.
Grandpa told me it wasn't surprising that John Fowler didn't marry Elizabeth Pease for ten years after meeting her. She was fourteen years of age when he first met her. Grandpa doesn't like her being referred to as a Ms. as the Oxford English Dictionary doesn't list this expression, and he can find no trace of it being used in the 19th century. As to referring to Mrs Fowler as expensive baggage. It was not the Quaker way to speak about or treat people like that.
In 1858 John Fowler designed a steam plough in co-operation with Ransomes at Ipswich and George and Robert Stephenson in Newcastle. In 1860 his steam ploughs were illustrated in Ransome and May's catalogue. Anyone who really wishes to know about John Fowler should read Michael Lane's book, The Story of the Steam Plough Works. As Mr Lane writes, "At no time did Fowler claim original ideas that rightly belonged to others". Perhaps Mr Lloyd would provide his sources for his claims.
It is quite clear that John Fowler was always part of a team. This team included David Grieg, Stephenson's works in Newcastle and Ranso1nes at
Ipswich. In 1856 when working with Ransomes, John Fowler made it clear that an idea for an anti-balance plough came from the work of Mr David Greig, whilst in 1855 he had obtained from the Fisken brothers, their patent for a double ended plough. It is relevant to note that following a complaint by John Fowler's Patent Trustees in 1862 against James and Frederick Howard of the Britannia Iron Works, Bedford, an action was heard by a Chief Justice and a jury of the City of London. They found that the original plans for the balance plough were those of the Fisken brothers. For whatever reason they had sold their patent to John Fowler who made substantial improvements, with the results we know today.
Grandpa says it is wrong to say that Mr Fowler took up horse riding due to his ill health. Horses had been a major part of his father's life and John Fowler had fallowed his father. Long before his illness his love of horses and horse riding had been an important form of relaxation. What he did do due to his ill health, was move from Leeds to Ackworth, at that time a village with strong Quaker traditions.
From Oliver Newman Age2
Well, Oliver's Grandpa is certainly very concerned that the article in the Northern Echo ,nay not be entirely accurate. We reproduced it in good faith in the hope that it would create some interest. It certainly did! Thank you "Grandpa" for your understanding of the circunistances surrounding John Fowler and his plough.
And here is Olive,; then aged 18 months in the arms of Sarah Fisher with Nigel Keene alongside Aveling & Porter roller "Maid Marion". Photo: "Grandpa" Peter Donovan.
Dear Editor
I am writing to thank you and everyone else for trying to put on the driving course again. I was very disappointed to hear that once again it had been cancelled due to lack of support.
To all apprentices, COME ON!! This would have been a very good opportunity to get some first hand, hands-on experience on driving traction engines, from professionals! It was very disappointing to have it cancelled at the last minute for the second year running!
If the problem is parents and younger children not being able to take part then there are other attractions round and about that you could go to, like Alton Towers and Dove Dale (which has some very nice walks in it).
As free camping is included in the price it won't cost you any more to bring your caravan or tent. So come on for next year, let's have a bit more support!
Here's hoping for next year Ian Durling (16) Haxby; York
Dear Editor
I would like to know if anyone who has a steam roller, traction engine or showman's engine in the Gloucestershire area would be willing to let me visit and help them on their engine. I have 2 model engines, a Wilesco showman's engine and a Mamod fire engine. I really enjoy going to steam rallies and seeing the different engines.
Yours sincerely, Thomas Attwood (age 8) Churchdown, Gloucester
Dear Editor,
This is the first time I've written to you. I have got 4 steam engines, they are all Willescos. I have got a train, a roller and a stationery engine that runs a fairground.
My Grandad has got three traction engines but only one of them has a name The Princess. She is a showman's engine. My Dad likes steam engines too, but my sister hates them. So does my Mum!
I go down to my Grandad's every week to clean it. My Grandad's showmans engine has never been steamed because it is too small. So my Grandad is going to run it on compressed air when he has got a compressor.
The size of the engines are: one 4½ inch and the other is 2½ inches and also my Grandad has got a methylated spirit engine.
from Thomas Parrott (age 8) Shardlow, Derby
COLOURING COMPETITION
For Members aged up to 9 years old
CAREFULLY remove this page from the magazine - ask an adult to help if necessary - be especially careful of the staples.
COLOUR the picture using pencils, crayons, paints or felt pens. (Pencils are probably best.)
WRITE your name, age, address and membership number in the space provided.
POST your entry in a large envelope, to avoid folding it too much.
ENCLOSE a large stamped addressed envelope if you want your entry returned.
REMEMBER to send your entry to arrive with me by 27th AUGUST.
ADDRESS for entries is:
SAC Colouring Competition 1 Leicester Road Newport, South Wales NP97ER
The 1996 Steam Apprentice Club Photographic Competition
A re1ninder that this year's photo competition is currently on-going and we hope that many of you will send in your best photographs. The competition is again split into two age groups - up to 15 years and 16 years old and over. Engraved medals will once again be presented to all six prize winners. In addition to the medals, winners will receive other prizes. The best overall entry in either age group will be presented with the Dorset Trophy, currently held by Robert Deering, last year's winner and will also receive a book donated by NTET Sales.
Rules
l. Entry to this competition is restricted to fully subscribed members of the Steam Apprentice Club (SAC).
2. Each member's entry will consist of three photographs, preferably 6" x 4" prints, colour or black & white, and they should have been taken during the period 1st August 1995 to 31st July 1996.
3. Entries must be sent to the Editor of the SAC magazine to arrive by Tuesday 27th August. (Address at the front of this magazine.)
4.All entries must have the following details on the reverse of the photograph: name, address, age and SAC membership number; place, date and details of the engine or subject. (It is better to write these details on a piece of paper and then stick this on the back of the photo.)
5. Copyright in all entries will remain with the SAC member submitting the photographs and the organisers promise that prints will not be used in any manner or display other than in connection with the 1996 photographic competition. (A selection of entries will appear in subsequent SAC magazines.)
6. All entries are to include a suitable stamped addressed envelope to ensure photographs can be returned. The organisers promise to return all entries if this rule is adhered to.
7. Entries will be displayed at the 1996 Great Dorset Steam Fair in.the NTET tent. All entries will be returned after display and/or publication in the magazine.
8. The competition will be judged in two age groups: up to 15 years; 16 years and over. Prizes and engraved medals for First, Second and Third place in each age group will be awarded. The best overall entry will receive the Dorset Trophy shield, to be held for one year.
Judging
The judges will be looking for originality, composition and technical ability. Photographs do not have to be of traction engines, but other subjects must be clearly related to the traction engine movement. The judges' decision on all entries will be final and members are asked to accept them in a spirit that will bring credit to themselves and the Steam Apprentice Club.
Dear Editor,
I have recently taken on a new job as a courier, but I hope to keep sending you articles on rallies in the west country, as long as I get the time.
I have enclosed a photograph of a Burrell which was at an early season vehicle gathering of the Torbay Steam Rally Group in April 1996. This year they are organising a special steam rally which takes place on 2nd, 3rd and 4th August.
Hope you have a great rally season.
Best wishes
Aubrey Tummon Paignton, Devon
Many thanks Aubrey. However my rally season has started rather slowly this year. I hope to do some catching up shortly - but your contributions (and those of the many other active apprentices) will keep our magazine full and interesting - Ed.
scale Burrell road locomotive at the early season vehicle gathering by Torbay Steam Rally Group in April 1996. Owner II. White from Kingerswell, Devon.
6"
The 4½" scale Burrell engine belonging to Thomas Parrott's Grandad. See Thomas's letter on page 6.
The drawings above and on page 12 have been sent by 7 year old Michael Bryant. He says they are drawings of engines he has seen at the traction engine club. My guess is that he has been studying a Foster and a Sentinelwhat do you think?
Keep your contributions coming all of you. We have material this time from apprentices aged 7 to 21 (and a couple of grandads!). It's all interesting stuff and I promise that if you send it, I'll print it!
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to the following who have joined the Steam Apprentice Club since Volume 10 number 1 magazine. We ran out of space last edition, so here we put that right. Let's hear from you new members and let's meet you on the rally fields where you can enjoy your hobby to the full.
Harry Cheeseman, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
David Surman, Sawtry, Cambridgeshire
Sam Wheeler, Diss, Norfolk
Kevin Smith, Coventry, West Midlands
Craig Smith, Coventry, West Midlands
Jeff Smith, Coventry, West Midlands
Lisa King, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham
Michael Dickinson, Coychurch, Mid Glamorgan
Emma Black, Ackworth, West Yorkshire
John Eyres, Warrington
Lee Sparrowhawk, Penlan, Swansea
Ben Newport, Sittingbourne, Kent
Colin Stirratt, Chessington, Surrey
Jonathan Cook, Leckhampton, Cheltenham
Nathan Ford, St Newlyn East, Cornwall
Justin Homer, Weymouth, Dorset
Guy Willis, Chelmsford, Essex
Russell Coppin, Bradford, W Yorks
Caroline Morton, Old Bursledon, Hampshire
Mark Robinson, Bishop Auckland, County Durham
Christopher Herbert, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge
Thomas Attwood, Churchdown, Gloucester
Alistair Clay, Sheff ord, Beds
Nicholas Lewis, Boreham, Essex
Craig. Woolmer, Billericay, Essex
Roger Hunter, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Simon Brooks, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
James Dolby-Glover, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Ian Bennett, Llandrindod Wells, Powys
Craig Paternoster, Gillingham, Kent
Matthew Pearson, Heanor, Derbyshire
Jack Ready, Billericay, Essex
Tony Ready, Billericay, Essex
Adam Ardron, Darfield, Barnsley
Matthew Moore, Allestree, Derby
Thomas Cadman, Whalley Range, Manchester
Andrew Sim1nonds, Fraddon, Cornwall
Robert Simmonds, Fraddon, Cornwall
David Hickman, Brierly Hill, West Midlands
Christopher Buckley, Alford, Aberdeenshire
Becky Woolley, N r Bridgnorth, Shropshire
Mark Hammond, Bobbington, Nr Stourbridge
Kevin Ellwood, Distington, Cumbria
Richard Cave, Morpeth, Northumberland
Adam Herniman, Brimscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire
Jeremy Feltham, Aldershot, Hants
Richard Purver, Liphook, Hants
Daniel Tipton-Redmond, Ludlow, Shropshire
Richard Allen, Burnley, Lancashire
Adam Hewson, Quainton, Buckinghamshire
Kevin Allen. Swindon, Wilts
Aaran Champion, Watchet, Somerset
Andrew Whisker, Gorton, Manchester
Craig Pickering, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
Richard Ireland, Old Malton, N. Yorks
George Newman, Tavis tock, Devon
John Penny, Oadby, Leicestershire
Darren Hayhoe, Basildon, Essex
Christopher Sawf ord, Liskeard, Cornwall
Pignoly Le6, Lyon
George Feeney, Abingdon, Oxon
Nicholas Newberry, Coldharbour, Surrey
Michelle Peters, Bream, Lydney, Glos
Christopher Hedgecock, Maldon, Essex
Alexander Cockerill, Sheffield
Eddie Crane, Nether Broughton, Leicestershire
Iain Bazeley, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
James Myior, Hayle, Cornwall
Alexander Eltringham, Hemyock, Devon
MORE MAILBAG
Dear Editor,
A boy wrote in the Spring 1996 magazine and he wanted to know where Ex Mayor was and who it was owned by. It is owned by the Saunders family in Stotfold. You will be able to see it at Amwell Rally.
Yours Sincerely
Jonathan Harry age 11
Dear Editor,
I write in reply to the letter printed recently in Raising Steam, about the film "Titfield Thunderbolt" and the whereabouts of the steam roller featured in the film. The roller is Aveling & Porter No 5590, Reg. No CH3282, built in 1904. She is owned by my Uncle, Nigel Keene and kept at Fairford. She attends various rallies throughout the year and will again be at Fairford Rally this year. She is being painted and restored by Nigel and his girlfriend Sarah Fisher. When it is safe and there are not too many people around I steer it, and my Uncle says I'm a natural!
Yours sincerely
Byron Martin
MORE NEXT TIME
You have really done well with your contributions - so much so that I have had to hold over some material until next time. So, Christopher Holden and Sam Wheeler, your letters have not gone astray, they will appear in the next Raising Steam.
Also to come is a review of a new book produced by CMS Publishing (producer of Old Glory) called "George and the Dragon". My son tells me 1t is a good read, and it is available direct from CMS or the NTET Sales Tearo (address below).
I will also be reporting on my own less than successful road run an:1 bringing you up to date on rallies I have visited.
Barry Sumsion, Editor
Clothing. for Juniors
FRUIT OF THE LOOOM SWEATSHIRTS
produced with the image of a road roller, printed centre chest position.
QUALITY: 70% Cotton/30% Polyester 3/4
FRUIT OF THE LOOM TEE-SHIRTS
produced with the image of a road roller, printed centre chest position
QUALITY: 94% Cotton/6% Polyester 3/4 5/6 7/8 9/11 (26") (28") (30") (32")
