Raising Steam 2009 Vol.23 No.3

FROM THE NINTH EDITOR

by Nanette Durling -Editor

STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB

Editor

Nanette Durling. 19 Mill Lane, Barton under Necdwood, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DEIJ 81-IB Tel: 01283 7L28l8 sac.raisingslenm@ntel.co.uk

President

John Durling, 19 Mill Lane, Barton under Nccdwood. Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE13 8HE

Chairman

Kevin Munn, 56 Blacklands Drive, Hayes, Middlesex Tel: 020 8573 9180

sac.chairman@ntct.co.uk

Vice Chairman

Elaine Massey, 21 Down C.lose,Northolt, Middlesex UBS 6NS Tel: 020 8248 6570 elaioermassey@nclworld.com

Membership Secretary

John Cook, Dolfami, Church Lane, Kirkby la Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshi£e NG34 9NU. Correspondence only. Membership fee £7.50 per annum.

Webmaster

Nick Bosworth, 9A St Wilfred's Road, West Hallam, Ilke,~ton, Derbyshire DE7 6HG Tel: 01159 309868 sac.webmaster@ntet.co.uk

SAC Co-ordinators

Emily Drnry

ecdrury@botmail.co.uk

Matthew Lund Tel: 01329 832462 mall.lund@engineer.com

Kevin Lawrence Tel: 01229 838144 k.lawrence@dsl.pipex.com

Barry Sumsion Tel: 01633 262197 barrysumsion@gmai I .com

The Editor welcomes any contributions of mticles, 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 Lhe contributor and the NTET. The Editor reservesthe right to amend or refuse contributions. The Magazine is normally published during lhc early part of January, April, July and October. The Club accepts no liability for failure to meet intended publicntion (lntcs.

The Steam Appre11IiceClub is 11section of the National Traction El11gi111;Trust

NTET is u Registered Charity, No. 291578. Registered in England No. l 302I97.

Registered Office: 4 Church Green Bast, Rcdditch, Worcestershire U!ll\ llU'I'.

Typesetting and Artwork hy Kearline Grnphic linages Ltd, Fairoak Hmtsc l]u~incss Centre, Church Road, Newport, South Wales NPI9 7EJ.

Printeu by TSG Creative Solutions, St Ncots, Ca1nbridgeshire PEI9 8EL

Like many of us who've got involved with the SAC I started because my two girls were interested in traction engines and came to one of the SAC driving days. We were at the BSEPS driving day held in Old Warden Park in 2002 when I decided to offer a hand to the people serving the lunches to about 130 apprentices. Obviously I got talking to Elaine who realised that I had an interest in helping young people to enjoy themselves working on engines. My two girls, then aged 11 and 9, spent the whole weekend rushing from one engine to the next and, like the other apprentices there, had a really good time. I'm pleased to say that they are both still apprentices although they are not quite so keen on getting dirty or breaking finger nails!

Some little while later Barry Sumsion, who was then the Editor of Raising Steam, announced that he wanted to reduce his involvement with the magazine, whilst still continuing to do the technical side of the printing. I was asked if I would like the challenge of beco1ning the Editor. I had never done anything like this before, and didn't even have a computer, but agreed to give it a go. After a crash course in computing, including sending my first email, I was underway, with much patient help from Barry, Elaine, the late Graham Tucker and the Chainnan, John.

Since taking over in 2003 the magazine has changed a lot m appearance, the most obvious change being the move to full colour. However, I like to think that its main purpose has not changed since the first newsletter edited

by Margaret Joachim in 1979, to keep

summer there will be several peopk you, the membership, informed on what there who are now engine owners, is happening in the SAC and to allow you members of Engine Club committees and to tell us your stories. There have been even one or two who now earn their many of these, written in different styles, living working in steam restoration. I but the underlying message is still the hope that some of the younger members same - the love of working with engines reading this in 2009 will go on to do the and having fun. In parallel with the same in years to come. In this magazine we now, of course, have the anniversary book I've managed to website which gives a n1uch quicker and capture some of these people to tell us :.t more modern way of reaching you all but little of their stories. I hope that you I think that there is still a need for a enjoy reading their stories as much as traditional magazine that can be kept and they have enjoyed telling them. You looked at later, sometimes years later. never know, perhaps one day you may Having been working for the Club feature in a future anniversary book Iiko when we celebrated our 25th in 2004 it is this one. nice to be able to be supporting the Club Going back to the beginning, tht' now that we've reached 30 and look picture shows me at my first Old Wardell forward to future BIG birthdays. Driving Day in 2002, surrounded liy (Obviously not my own!). When we.. Apprentices. get together at Old Warden in the r '

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ASK AROUND ...

by John Durling -SAC President

Later on came the smarter vinyl

I have been interested in road steam to get them both invol vecl with SAC almost all of my life, having started activities when we went to the Yorkshire working on engines with Steve Neville in rallies. This is where the easy life ended! Saffron Walden when he owned Lord I contacted Sylvia Dudley, the SAC Lascelles. This gave me a good Chairman at that time, to try to find out grounding in running and maintaining an who was the local contact for the Club. engine, roading considerable distances, "No one", I was told. "Would you like to and .in staying in the beer tent, 'til late in be our Yorkshire rep?" I discussed it with the evening! the family and we decided that we could I joined the NTET in the same year go to a few rallies and take our old blue that the SAC was f'ormecl but wasn't tent to be a SAC stall. I found an old really aware of it as an organisation. until plank, painted it blue and bought some I moved to York with my family in 1992. white stick-on letters to make up a sign. At that time my two boys were 12 and Not very professional but it worked. 9 and I thought that it would be good

signs, banners etc. that more of you now are familiar with. In order to introduce myself to the rally people in Yorkshfre and to let the rally committees know what we were offering, I went to the meetings of several of the local shows. This was a mixed experience; some making us very welcomeand one or two being very standoffish and trying to find

out what was in it for them. You won't have to think too long to work out which shows we went to!

We had a good time back then, arranging for members to be placed on . engines (the start of the 'Duckling Runs') and running evening activities such as barbeques, treasure hunts etc. Having twenty Apprentices was quite common

when we visited the rallies at Masham, providing activities that the members Harewood House and Driffield. The wanted and also showed that the enlarged organisers of these shows were very SAC committee was working well. It was helpful, putting us near the engine line so during this 6rne that people like Duncan we really were part of the show. People Croser, Sam Bate and Graham Chaffer we met then are still good friends now: joined us, all with children in the Club. It no I'm not mentioning any names. It was also in 1999 that Elaine Massey wasn't long before we ventured as far joined. Her energy and enthusiasm south as Tarrant Hinton and attended our provided a much needed boost to the first Great Dorset with the SAC. Club which continues today. Barry I have many good memories of the Sumsion took over as editor in 1995 and rallies and the characters we met during certainly made the role look easy. Being that time. I recall my son Ian steering for in the industry he had access to the John Carr on his Tasker tractor at necessary skills and equip1nent to make Harewood House during the 'egg and the magazine, Raising Steam,, a spoon' race: a lump of coal on a shovel. professional publication. Barry continues The commentator, Howard Snowden, to support us with the production side of couldn't understand how the engine the magazine but the editing has been in could go so fast over rough ground the capable hands of Nanette Sanders without the 'egg' falling off, until John since 2003. Whilst there have been turned the shovel over and the coal changes in the group running the Club stayed stuck to it. He was disqualified of the turnover has been slow with some course but the crowd loved it! John has stil1 with us and new ones joining. As continued to be one of the many engine well as the 'older' people we have Matt owners willing to help Apprentices to get Lund, E1nily Drury and Nick Bosworth started in steam by offering his time and all of whom were Apprentices and bring knowledge freely to any Apprentice who new, relevant ideas with them. shows true interest.

The direction of the Club has

This was supposed to be a fairly low changed in that time too. In the early key affair, just the family going off days we were concentrating on trying to rallying and giving the boys a chance to get Apprentices to come to rallies and get in some engine experience as, at that work on engines. Later we started the time, we didn't have our own engine. Driving Days where you could drive an Others had different ideas! I was soon engine on private ground. This led asked to go to a committee meeting in naturally to the introduction of the young Woburn Sands and start to becon1e driver's scheme which allows involved in the management of the Club. Apprentices from the age of 13 to drive We did manage a couple of years like this on rally fields. We then, as a society before I was asked if I would like to changed, had to introduce the Child become the Chairman of this wonderful Protection Policy in order to safe guard club - how could I possibly refuse? both the members and the Club. We are

During the late I 990s and early 2000s now working on ways to increase the the Club grew and grew -approximately opportunities for Apprentices who don't 250 in 1996 to over 600 in 2005. This.come from engine owning families to reflected the greater en1phasis on get real hands-on experience. You

could say that we have come full circle. Having been the Chairman for nine years, been able to celebrate the 21st anniversary in 2000 and the 25th in 2005, I decided that it was time for someone else, with some new ideas, to take over. This is when Kevin Munn stepped forward. I thought that I would be able to go back to just being an engine owner and be able to visit rallies just for the fun of it. The Committee had other ideas and I was asked to become the Club's first

CHAIRMAN'S BIT

by Kevin Munn -Chairman

President: again, how could I possibly refuse?

Perhaps one moral that can be drawn from this is 'this is what happens when you ask around'.

I still take great pleasure in meeting the members, both those I have known for some years and new ones, and hope that many n1ore young people will learn what fascinating things steam engines are by being members of the Stearn Apprentice Club.

Many people have written in this to a degree the SAC is seen as attached booklet about the past of the SAC, how it to, and not necessarily part of the NTET. started and what it has achieved. I, As we all know and recognise we instead, will talk mainly about the future. have to keep carryjng out the things we

The future of the SAC is totally already do to ensure the continuing entwined with the future of the viability of our hobby. This thrust is movement as a whole, which faces many mainly dealing with legislation and how different and varying pressures. Whether it affects us and what we can do to it is from possible E.U. or Government mitigate it. legislation to the requirements of a At the moment the SAC, whilst 'green' society. providing son1e education in the form of

So if all the above can be faced and driving days, wouldn't appear to an overcome, what of the SAC and where outsider to be doing much else if they shall it head? Well firstly of course it read either the SAC or NTET paperwork. must carry on encouraging youngsters to Whilst we do have in the pipeline become involved in the maintenance and possibly an involvement with BESTT, operation of steain vehicles on the road, one couldn't point to too much else. I am certainly for at least another 30 years! therefore proposing we expand our In meeting that aim we should look at 'educational side' to provide the 'expansion' of the SAC tied in with courses/lectures in various matters the 'education' of the Apprentices. I relating to our steam hobby. To do this would like to open a debate on how we needs contacts, publicity and of course, go about that, with the SAC being in the money; this is where the main body of vanguard of showing our status as an the NTET can assist both financially educational charity. At the moment, •. ' and with their contacts .

Some of the ways we can expand our activities are: -

Collaboration with museums

E.g. Winter working for SAC groups at museums as SAC members. This will be expanded with additional pages in the 1ogbook so the Apprentice can show an even more 'rounded' understanding and appreciation of our steam heritage.

Skills introduction sessions

Ideally every discipline within steam restoration and maintenance should be represented.

E.g. Boiler making/repair

Riveting

Steam journalism Photography

Sign writing

Explore providing education for outside bodies

E.g. Duke of Edinburgh Scouts/Guides

informal than I had been used to and it was, and still is, very gratifying for the help and advice that is given. The Club was on a very good footing in terms of the main activities we provided, so how could we 1nove it forward? As we know we are now in a more technologkal world than the world of steam we preserve and enjoy, and with youngsters of course they can always show us the latest gadgets. W:iththis in mind I set up a website to aid our com1nunication with the membership. Not very flash compared to what we have now, but it was a way to keep in touch between the quarterly magazines. And in line with improving our communications after discussion within the SA.C con11nittee, the magazine itself was completely revamped, changing to a glossy coloured version to help attract and retain the membership.

I have attended several of the driving days that are run by volunteers for the SAC and this is in many respects what the club is all about; 'To foster the interest of all people under 21 in steam

These are just some suggestions on traction in its 1nany guises'. The help, how we could maintain and expand the enthusias1n and patience given by the SAC and its role within the move1nent as drivers is certainly appreciated. Many of a whole. Please do contact me if you them look forward to it as a change from want to come on board or have further the usual pleasures of driving at a rally suggestions or comments that can assist etc. We do, of course, try to publicise the us in our ain1s. SAC wherever and whenever we can,

Many people have written in this with our presence at the Great Dorset book about their involvement with the Steam Fair being the main focus each SAC and mine will be the most recent. year. There it gives us a great Having been approached back in 2004, I opportunity to tell young and old what was elected at the NTET AGM in 2005. we are about and many children have I had been involved with youngsters joined after seeing their peers helping on before, being the Chair of Governors at an engme. my local secondary school and was I do believe we have a good club interested in carrying on similar work. I running now, and for the future, that will soon found being involved in the., help us to preserve and look after the steam movement was a lot more ·'. •~'.., . .. past for n1any years to come.

FROM AN EARLY SAC CHAIRMAN

by Robert Herring -NTET Chairman

My time as Chairman of the SAC was somewhat short lived and I must say it is miles apart from what it is now. When I was approached by Sylvia Dudley and John Crawley to undertake the role I had no idea what I would let myself in for. My first recollections were of a daunting task. Despite being the father of three young sons, due to pressure of business I spent very little time with them, so the thought of dealing with perhaps thirty or forty yo1=1ngsterswas somewhat hairraising. Fortunately at that time there was a small team, headed by David Duffil, whojust happenedto live in Foden Road, a name easily remembered due to its steam connection, who were very enthusiastic. It was very much a case of providing a supporting role to this group. I remember the odd meeting held at David's house somewhere m Birmingham.

Despite trying to get more involved I never felt totally comfortable, it was also a time for change within the National Traction Engine Trust, major developments which came about at the 1989 AGM brought with it a greater involvement in other sectors of the Trust so after just two years I resigned the SAC Chairmanship.

Under the leadership of some dedicated members the Steam Apprentice Club has developed into a formidable organisation; within thirty years its position as the one organisation, that addresses the aspirations of all youngsters

I have also had some fun inviting some of these youngsters on to the footplate of my engine. Sometimes with a bit of apprehension: well who wouldn't be with a total stranger, sometimes bubbling with enthusiasm? Then there are questions which bring on a wry smile, they can be amusing; they may hardly be tall enough to reach either the regulator or steering wheel but always oh so enthusiastic.

As present Chainnan of the National Traction Engine Trust I get immense pleasure and satisfaction when approached by several other vehicle preservation groups who readily recognise the success the Steam Apprentice Club has achieved and the mere fact they ar·e envious enough to want to emulate our position speaks for itself.

In this thirtieth celebration year it is nice to be able to say I had a little involvement but more importantly to look forward to continued evolvement of the one group that figures highly in retaining our statement of 'Keeping Steam Alive on the Road'.

in obtaining an educated and hands-on approach to being involved with. steam vehicles, is second to none. " ,_ ..

LONG BEFORE THE SAC

by Richard Willcox - Chairman & Liveries Officer, Road Locomotive Society

Adam Meredith,an apprentice.workingwith Richard is a former winnerof the Jack Beeby Cup

The first engine I ever drove. The boilerman from the brickworks on his Aveling tractor in Jesse Vines' Yard,sucking up well water when Jessewas not looking.(Aveling & Porter)

I was born m Stonehouse, Aveling compound lived in a council Gloucestershire, where I still live and yard in the village. Now and again one where my father had the phannacy, would see a very grubby Sentinel which I later took over. My earliest Waggon from Llewellyns at Ross visiting interest in railways was well served by Stroud Gas Works to pick up a tank of having two train lines to watch, LMS and tar. A Sentinel tar sprayer was also seen, GWR. All steam then of course. owned by Glossops on contract work for Wonderfulfree entertainmentday in day the County Council most summers. out. Not much steam left on the roads, Alongside the railway lines by the though the County Council still had a fair GWR Station was a b1ickworks, which fleet of steam rollers, two of which, a... had originally been founded and Wallis & Steevens single and an ,- managed by mother's father, who

Standingproudlyon the footboardof my first engine,the S.C.Foster.

The old Wallisengine that was lent by Jesse to look aTTerand learn on. No. 2 796.

died long before I was born. By now we much to my parents disgust, as at that had no connection with the business, but time these 'dirty old engines' were by there was plenty of interest there to most people thought completely out of watch - a boiler house with a big date and only so much scrap iron. Later Lancashire boiler in it and random on, seeing my enthusiasm the owner of buildings containing a total of nine the yard - Jesse Vines, contractor and stationary steam engines, three of-which engine dealer and an excellent engine were made by firms which also built driver himself -lent me a small Wallis & traction engines - a Garrett, a Marshall Steevens engine that he had just bought and a Ruston Proctor. I spent a fair in from Devon to look after. Well worn amount of time in that boiler house and and tired it was, but it worked and I had got to know the boilerman quite well, a lot of fun in the yard with it at who one day told me he owned a full size weekends, going home well dirty on traction engine - I was impressed! And Sunday nights more parents very interested, so he promised to show it displeasure! At that time interest in these to me one day. Up until then I had only old engines and their preservation was ever seen one traction engine proper, only just beginning. There were only when a lovely Burrell passed through the three rallies in the country then, just on a village one afternoon after school. Little Saturday and with no hangers on - no old did I know that one day I would own that cars, lorries, tractors etc. no stalls and sam.e engine - but that's another story. sideshows or fairground, just a field with Anyway one Sunday morning engines and a beer and refresh1nent tent. knocking around the village on my bike, I managed sometimes to get to Appleford I saw said boilerman on his bicycle and and Andover, but the third venue at he told me he was going out to his engine Pickering in Yorkshire was too far to - would I like to come too? I needed no travel then. Going to these on a Saturday encouragement and we both pedalled out meant I had to play truant from schooltowards Hardwicke, just south of yes we had school on Saturday mornings. Gloucester, where there was a In these days there were still lots of contractors yard. After being introduced engines about if you knew where to look to the owners of the yard, we had a good for them and of course they were still look around. What a wonderful place that regularly being sold for scrap and cut up was, with at that time 28 engines of all - even engines in really good condition. types and makes and in an conditions. Anyway, back to the yard at Not of course 'restored' as you see now Hardwicke, which was quite well known at rallies, but some well kept engines, to other enthusiasts and I met lots of some tired old derelicts and everything in them there on my weekend visits. between. I was totally hooked on these Engines still came and went from the engines and now 55 years later am still yard as they were bought and soldthe same. I have in the garden here as I some for preservation, others for scrap write, both a Burrell and a Fowler that I unfortunately. As regards weekend first saw that day, although it was years steam-ups, the main problem there was later that I acquired the1n. finding fuel. We scoured that yard for After that first visit I became a.anything that would burn and any bits regular at the yard at weekends, '.. of coal left in the other engines

The first engine that I ever saw on the road. Burrell 'Triumph' seen when later owned by me at an Appleford rally mid 1960s.

tenders were soon burnt. As a schoolboy cylinder Foster agdcultural engine in fair I could not afford to buy good coal but circles from Jesse for £50. This does not the local merchant used to sell me "nutty sound a lot today but took a lot of finding slack" cheaply. That is all the dust and for a 17 year old schoolboy then. Lots of small coal left in the railway wagon after mowing old ladies lawns for 2/6 (12½p) the good lumps have been offloaded, for example. However I got there and it bagged up and sold. The problem with was a proud day for me when I at last this was then to get it out to the yard at became an engine owner. Hardwicke. Sometimes I used to take it That was 55 years ago almost to the out on the bus which got me son1e funny day as I write this in March 2009. I find looks, but on more than one occasion I engines hard and tiring work now, but it have cycled the 5 miles out there with has in all this time been a wonderful about ½ cwt (25 kg) in a sack on the hobby, meeting so many like-1ninded crossbar of n1y bike, which made for a people, seeking out hidden engines not rather wobbly ride, but I always n1ade it c01nmonly known as seen in this country without mishap. and a\xoad, for example. At the time I

All the water we needed for the became interested one could never in a engines had to be lifted in buckets out of million years have imagined the the well at one end of the yard, more hard involvement we have today, with engines work. I think this was done to prove our coming back from abroad and being enthusiasm or otherwise! Before long of restored from a dreadful state which we course I wanted my very own engine., would have thought only fit for scrap and I eventually bought a single . • Q not Jong ago.

THE START OF THE STEAM

APPRENTICE

by John Wharton

CLUB

Yes, I was there! The idea of forming training day that was held at our yard at a young persons group as a part of the Witney. This happened for the Steam National Traction Engine Trust (actually Apprentice Club before it was done for still a Club then) came from Michael the NTET. Lane who was Chairman of the Trust at At the time I was able to draw on the the ti1ne.I believe that he should be given help and support of a lot of experienced more credit than he has received in the steam engine drivers. Unfortunately you past for his role in the founding of the can no longer match the experiencethat Steam Apprentice Club. He was an was available then. There were engines intuitive manager; many can keep a pot in steam, engines in bits, there were boiling, some can solve problems tables with bits on. There were rollers presented to them, some can improve being driven, traction engines being set what they are given, but not n1any have to a drmn, showman's engines the insight to form something new. generating, tubes being swept, fires being Michael had words with me to put lit, mud door gaskets being put in, myself forward for the NTET bearings being scraped, keys being fitted Com1nittee. E1nbarrassingly,I first had to plus much more. Everywhere the old join the NTEC, my father being a were teaching the young. member, there was no need to bring two I cannot recall all the young people Steamings into our house every three at the event, but I be]ieve Colin Hatch, months. From the existing NTEC Richard Hurley and Stuart Tomlinson Committee three were selected to form were there, and now they own engines the Steam Apprentice Club Comnuttee: themselves and two of them repair steam Sylvia Berth-Jones (later Dudley), engines for a living. Margaret Joachim and myself. We were Margaret Joachim left as she became all selected for different qualities, Sylvia, a candidate for parliament for. the SDP a school teacher, Margaret, an academic (later part of Liberal Democrat party) and me, I was young. I recall there was a when a wo111anin parliamentwas a rare big schemozzle about what to call it, the thing. She was not one to let little things design of a logo and the title of the get in her way; I recall her breast feeding newsletter. in one of the NTET Committee meetings Membership was good from the start. held at the Great Western Royal Hotel at The formation of a newsletter was Paddington. It was definitely frowned impo1tant and involved me a great deal. I upon by the more elderly members of the believe all the puzzles and word searches Com1nittee! were also ·mine. Our greatest success in Later I moved from the Steam those early days was perhaps the first~ Apprentice Club and took over the

chair of the Engine Owner's Committee, a post held later by Michael Davies. Sylvia took over the chair of the SAC and has been closely associated with the club ever smce.

I am delighted to have been there at the beginning of this Club and look forward to the next 30 years.

THE LAUNCH OF A SUCCESS

by Margaret Joachim-Editor No. 1

the unending enthusiasm of a thirty-year stream of young people who have thoroughly enjoyed clin1bing into boilersuits, wielding hoses, oil cans, coal shovels and greasy rags, becoming acquainted with the quirks of 'their' engine, and getting splendidly grubby into the bargain. Some have even gone on to own and run their own engines. Thank you to everyone who has been involved over the years, whether as an apprentice, an engine owner or an organiser. It has all worked out rather well.

When we first launched the infant

Steam Apprentice Club, we had no idea

Back at the beginning whether it would take off. Were there any

The Steam Apprentice Club began as a young people who wanted to know how question at an NTEC AGM - was there to run a traction engine? More to the any interest in setting up a junior section point, were there any engine owners who so that the skills needed to d1ive and would be mad enough to have them on operate engines could be passed on to the their machines? It was probably fortunate younger generation? The Club (as it was that Health and Safety rules were not then) promptly elected me to its quite as dictatorial as they are now -and committee, and nominated Sylvia Berthperhaps also that many parents were Jones (as she was then) and John Wharton more willing to let their offspring take a to make a working group of three. Over a risk or two. Back in those days (strokes series of discussions we refined the idea of grey hair and sucks remaining teeth) you an apprenticeship - 'hands-on' experience couldn't run 'Steam Simulator' on your gained by working under the guidance of computer and get your thrills that way, an expert -in exactly the same way as simply because nobody had their own trainee enginemen of earlier generations computers. So we launched the Club at a had done. We rounded up some willing good time, and it has grown and held its engine owners, and the first small SAC own in a world of rapidly evolving events were held at various rallies in 1979. entertainn1ent and hobbies.

The Club had its own newsletter from

The success of the SAC has been the beginning, which I edited for the first built on continuing support and few years. Those were the days when 'cut encouragement from the NTET, on the and paste' meant exactly what it said - the willingness of engine owners to make articles were typed out and then cut up and the~r n~achines avail~ble and teach·· pasted onto a n~aster sheet. He~dlines their skills, and most unportantly on ' • were added with rub-on lettenng. If '

you n1ade a mistake with the layout, you started again. Finally the whole thing was photocopied and a copy posted to each member.

Seeing young people driving at rallies (especially if the announcer pointed it out) quickly got others interested, and by early 1981 the Club had 103 members. Its big event that year was a steam day in April on a farm in Weeting, where apprentices worked on fourteen engines, threshing, chaff-cutting and rolling. The meeting report notes that it was a great success 'despite widespread blizzards'. SAC events that year were also held at Re1npstone,Banbury, Bicton and Faiiford. The newsletter - now grown to six A4

KEEPING US BUSY

pages - was professionally printed and incorporated photographs and drawings for the first time. I ducked out at this point because my job and my family were taking up too much time, but the overall support from NTET and SAC volunteers continued. By the time the Club was ten years old some members had joined regular engine crews, many more enjoyed he]ping out and Jearnjng the techniques, and there was a queue of eager youngsters waiting to be linked up with an engine. It had its own 24-page magazine, and regular slots ( often on the Sunday morning) at a number of rallies. It was certainly proving that steam was as fascinating as it had ever been.

by John Cook - Membership Secretary of the NTET

I have been Membership Secretary of print a label for everyone who needs a the National Traction Engine Trust since magazine and send them off to Raising 1990. My two sons both belonged to the Steam's printer. He puts the magazines in Steam Apprentice Club then and looked envelopes and sticks a label on each one. forward to their quarterly magazine but I also send out new membershjp cards there was not much else for the1n to be when you renew and send welcome involved with. packs to all new members.

A couple of years later I was asked if Around 3000 children have joined I would help out with the membership of the SAC club whilst I have been the SAC club until someone else could Membership Secretary but many only be found to take it on - and I'm still stay for a year or two for various doing it! reasons, the actual number of cun-ent

When I started in 1992 the details of apprentices is around 550. So you keep the members were wlitten on individual me -and my postman! - busy. Some of cards and my first job was to type them you renew at rallies -last year over 150 all into a database on my computer - all of you joined or renewed at the GDSF. It 420 of then1. This is still how I keep track is always nice to meet up with you at of everyone, keeping an up to date record rallies especially when some of your of your names, ages and addresses and mothers and fathers were SAC noting when your memberships are., members when I first started to help. due for renewal. Every quarter I . " ~. ..

HOW IT ALL STARTED

by Sylvia Dudley -March 2009

letter headings printed and the Steam Apprentice Club existed!! Later a similar system of suggestions and a vote was used to give the Newsletter a more suitable title. Raising Steam see1ned to be a suitable lead up to Steaming the NTET magazine. Incidentally the engine on the original front cover and on the membership leaflets was specially drawn for us by the late Geoffrey Wheeler and he was asked to make sure that it looked like a normal engine but was not actually a known make of engine manufacture.

In 1979 It was suggested that there Legislation does not allow under 21 s was little point in preserving our much to drive engines on the highway but the loved engines unless we preserved the NTET has managed to get cover for SAC living skills and knowledge to operate members to drive at rallies with an adult them in the future, and that the younger on the footplate and they have also enthusiasts were the ones to encourage allowed the1n to attend their driving before it was too late. A small working course at a reduced fee each year. If you party was formed to look into the best want to know more about this contact the way forward. address given in this booklet.

A Jetter was prepared and published We appreciated that quite a nmnber of in Steaming asking anyone under 21 who our members would change their interests was interested to make contact -we were and leave the Club but rarely an issue of surprised, and pleased with the response, Steaming or the other preservation the Junior section of the NTET was magazines appears when a photograph or formed and the first Newsletter was sent mention of one those early members is out telling those who had replied our not included, and we are delighted that plans. A subscription was set at £1 and they are coming forward to work with the the NTET agreed to cover initial costs as Committee in the running of the National they felt the venture was important. A and their local preservation clubs competition was arranged to ask throughout the world. I am sure that you members for suggestions of a more will be pleased to know that quite a suitable name for the Club and a short list number now own or are regular crew with was published in the Newsletter for a engines, so if as a young member of the vote to decide the outcome. After this SAC it seems to be all washing wheels your badge could be designed and.and polishing it really can be worth it produced, membership forms and if you persevere.

AN EARLY APPRENTICE

by Michael Davies

Your Chairman has asked me to write a piece for your magazine on your 30th anniversary and as it is also the 40th ..-.. anniversary of n1y first engine purchase, I thought I ought to give it a go!

Although my family did not have any direct involve111ent with steam my interest was kindled before the 1939-1945 war by watching the steam trains on the Waterlooto Reading line at Bracknell long before it was a 'new town'. This line was electrified about 1938 but I can remember the ancient 4-4-0 locomotives, the clerestory coaches and the daily freight trains, which continued to be steain hauled. The afternoon freight train was particulai·ly impressive when stai-ringoff uphill, seen from the footbridge over the line. My other fascination was the steam rollers, which were frequently parked opposite Mike Daviesat Banbury2002 our house when working in our area. Many of these belonged to 'Mechanical Buckby Wharf whose house was close to Tar-Spraying' of Reading. These were the main Euston to Rugby railway line, fitted with Fowler-Woods tar spraying which carried many well known express equipment, which carried tar in the belly passenger services to the North as well as tank and a spray bar on the back. In later a lot of freight on a 1 in 60 gradient. years these engines came in pairs and Although I did not get involved, I took each pulled a train consisting of gravel great interest in the early Appleford trailer, tar boiler, living van and a Steam Engine Races. I then got manied horse-drawn cart. The gravel spreading and we started our own farm and steam trailers were usually filled by hand from had to take a back seat. heaps on the side of the road, although In 1968, while buying a tank for mechanical loaders did appeai·later. One liquid fertiliser, I realised that two people roller would spray the tar and spread the to whom I have been talking were gravel while the second trailer was wearing Banbury Steam Society badges re-filled by hand and the second engine and that is, I suppose, when it all really did the rolling in. started.

After leaving Bracknell in 1952 I.Banbury Steam Society had only just lived with my half-brother at Long been founded and was run by a

SP Challenge2006 -Above: On the regulator.Below:Takingit easy.

number of real steam men, some of frequent use. If you have the room to whom had actually worked traction keep and use ploughing tackle it is great engines for a living and one of whom fun for a big gang, but of course hard became my mentor, teaching me most of work and safety has to be first priority. what I now know about steam. I had not I have always believed that the more been in the club long when a 111ember you put into your hobby, the greater your showed me an advert for a small Aveling enjoyment. I have tried to do 111yshare in & Porter Roller up in Leeds and before supporting the clubs to which I belong. long I bought it for £750. It turned out to During my time as Chairman of the be a very steep learning curve and I was Engine Owner's Sub Committee, we very grateful for the help I received from were helping the late Jim Newman draw other club members as there were no up the Steam Engine Code of Practice driving courses in those days. which now guides many owners in the I became good friends with Bob ways of operating and maintaining their Griffin of Milton under Wychwood who, engines. I also did much work putting although he had a Fowler Roller, was into practice the idea of the Driving keen to get back into Ploughing engines, Course, which had· been on the agenda which he had worked through the war. for some time. Having been involved in a We spent many hours looking at engines number of Steam Apprentice Club events all over the country and eventually over the years and, of course, welcoming bought BBls Nos. 15182 and 15183, a number of members on the Driving which are still with us, although very Course, it gives me much pleasure to sadly, Bob is not. As we were both congratulate Sylvia Dudley and an· the farmers we set about getting some many who have done so much for your implements so that we could stage club over 30 years. working de111onstrations. I sold the

Having mentioned my great friend Aveling in 1971 and in 1976/7, three of Bob Griffin I feel it would be of interest us went to Mozambique and brought to say a few words about his family's back some big Z7 ploughing engines, business of farming, steam thrashing and one pair of which we retained for ploughing. His Grandfather acquired the ourselves. In 1985 I bought a 7NHP tenancy of Bruen1 Grange Farm near Fowler Road Loco, No. 13141. Milton under Wychwood in 1902 and by Although we were able to use the BB 1s the time the First World War started his and Z7s for 20 years without major father had become a thrashing contractor repairs, all engines have now had major using second-hand steam traction boiler work done. engines to move and power the

The engines still live on my farm and equipment. They had been so successful I actually own the Road Loco, one BB 1 that in 1928 they bought a pair of Fowler and one Z7. We now have a full set of K7 ploughing engines and a new set of implen1ents for these consisting of a tackle. 6-furrow anti-balance semi-digger Bob was born in 1920 and could just plough, one 11/13 cultivation 16 foot remember a Ransome Steam Tractor turning harrow, a mole plough, living van being delivered to Kingham station to and water cart. These have all beeni). replace an engine which was very old. restored but the plough gets the most Conditions were very hard in

farming in the Depression of the l 930s and it was not until the war started in 1939 that the economy picked up and the many outstanding accounts settled. Bob was now nearly 20 and, having failed his medical for the forces, his father made him foreman of the steam plotighing gang. They worked very long hours, much of it for the War Ags Com1nittee (the War Agricultural Executive Committee) in the Vale of Evesham. In

Zl SPChallenge2002.

1946 the engines were sold and only three remain in preservation out of nine. Subsequently Bob bought a steam roller from Banbury RDC around 1960 for preservation, which he kept until we bought the BBls.

My good wishes to the Steam Apprentice Club and I hope the experience you gain enables you to enjoy your hobby all the more and make lots of friends.

MEMBER NUMBER TWO!

by Giles Romanes

GilesRomanes,known to all as 'Doc',is one of the founders of the National Traction EngineClub,formed in I 954. He took part in the earliest gatheringsof engines,which were usuallyone day events and often little more than a couple of races.

Throughoutthis time he has been an engineowner and has been activelyinvolved in the running of the National Traction Engine Club, latterly the National Traction Engine Trust. With his little Wallis & Steevens tractor 'Goliath'.He has been very supportive of the Steam Apprentice Club with many youngsters getting their first experience of steam at his hand.

The followingare just a few of his many memories.

Probably one of the most significant moments for the person teaching the

handling of traction engines may be when an apprentice is about to take full responsibility and go alone. Soon after the trip starts and everything has gone quiet, you begin to have doubts and wonder if so-and-so is going to cope with it all. Of course the last thing you want to do is to let that person 1G1owthat you may be worried, so you can't just get into the car and go and see for yourself.

I remember two such occasions particulm'ly, and here I must explain that at the time I had a small aeroplane on a field not far away. So I went there, got in and went to see what was happening. I found that all was well on the first trip; I was not spotted because the driver was very busy attending to the water level in the boiler just before going down a steep

hill. The next time was not so successful because the engine was going on the level with no special extra worry about water levels - and in any case the apprentice was an airline pilot and he saw n1e. I know because he tooted the whistle and waved his arm.

Changing the subject rather to the playpen at Stourpaine, now better known as simply Dorset, I had an openjng to show a different aspect of handling. The site gives a splendid opportunity for gaining experience in handling and getting a certificate of competency. After threshing was finished the engine was used in the playpen and then taken back to the threshing machine. Later the next day the engine was idle with an apprentice on the footplate during a tea break. Suddenly the plug gave way with

a roar of steam. I have never seen anybody leave a footplate as fast as at that n1on1ent.

It was a simple thing to drop the remains of the fire, take off the ash pan and remove a few fire bars when everything had gone quiet. We then changed the fuseable plug for the spare, replaced the fire bars and ash pan and filled up the boiler. We were working again within the hour. It was the first time I've had to do this in 50 years of driving traction engines.

Just to show that traction engineering can be truly international, the picture to illustrate this piece is of my little 3NHP Wallis and Steevens tractor towing a portable taken in Graested, Denmark during their 2008 rally.

SAC AND 'ELSA'

by Stuart Tomlinson

I am writing this having just arrived home from work, which for me is a fitter machinist for the Hunslet Steam Company, which I really enjoy. How I got my dream job is a long story, and this is how it all began.

When I was young my dad was a member of the Birmingham Railway Museum and I used to go with him to the Railway and also on annual trips to the Newhall Street Rallies. When I was about 10 years old I visited a Model Engineering Club track near Coleshill, where I was made very welcome and soon learned to drive the small locomotives.

When I was about 13 we moved to Nuneaton, which meant no more model locomotives, but there were more local

traction engine rallies and this is where my interest turned to road steam. In those days Dad would drop me off at the gate of the steam rally and then pick me up later. I remember being dropped off at Hinckley Rally one day, and this is where I picked up a leaflet for the Steam Apprentice Club. I later sent off my money and became a member, I received my first magazine in the new year. In it was an article about a rally at Quorn on the Great Central Railway and the contact was the Froggatt family from Loughborough. I contacted them and asked if I could attend, they agreed and over Easter I had a really good day with them on their Marshall traction engine and I also helped out on a Fowler roller. This is probably where my love of

'Elsa'at the DerbySteam Rallyon the Elvastonshowgroundon 6/7 August I 977.

(Note:this isn't ElvastonSteam Rallyas we know it now,DerbyRallywas held there for 3 years before the currentElvastonRallybegan.)

Fowler engines started! The Froggatt family and he said he knew them as well. family became very good friends and I That was my very first meeting with Ted later went to Rempstone rally for a day and Elsa Sansome and Elsa the engine. with them, learning more about engines. Next year came and I was out and In September there was a rally near about seeing more engines, keen to leru.11 Nuneaton called Caldecote Steam Party as much as I possibly could. I saw Ted with local engines attencling. One of the with his engine and now some of the engines was a very nice Fowler traction owners recognised me and would say engine called Elsa. I asked the owner if I hello. could help him clean it and he kindly.. When I was sixteen I left school and. agreed. I said I knew the Froggatt ~- went to an engineering firm and

became an apprentice toolmaker. It was about this time that I had a phone call fro.m Ted Sansome, he said he was short of a steersman for a run to Nuneaton on the following Saturday. Ted had phoned the Froggatt family to get my nmnber in order to track me down.

On the Saturday I went to the yard at Ted and Elsa Sansome's house to steer Elsa to Nuneaton. I was lucky enough to steer there and back. Ted and I got on very well together and I was asked if I would like to go on the next Saturday to help out and then I was asked if I would like to go with Ted to drive the engine to Elvaston Castle rally, and on it went.

As they say the rest is history, I now

own Elsa. Sadly both Ted and Elsa died in 1990, Ted, who was very poorly at the time, gave me the engine on my 23rd birthday.

Well, what did the SAC do for 1ne? It gave me the chance to learn about these wonderful engines and introduced me to some really great friends. One of these friends I met at the rallies is my wife Hazel. I ain now an NTET committee member and organise the driving course in May. I work full time on steain engines for Hunslets and am cmrently building a new boiler for Elsa, which we hope to have ready in a couple of years time. To me, the SAC introduced me to the best past-time in the world!

THE BSEPS AND THE SAC

by the BSEPS Committee

A selectionof engines(FarmersFoundryPortable,Fowe/1No. 92, Marshall No. 76 751, Aveling & Porter 'Caractacus',Wallis & Steevens'Sir William' ex Billy Bird).

The involvement of the Bedford were thawed out in the caravan with cups Steam Engine Preservation Society with of hot chocolate and their little gloves SAC Driving Days started back in 1999 drying on the heater. Thomas Hooper was with a one-day event. This was held in one of these apprentices. He had a turn The Machinery Centre at Shuttleworth on an engine but preferred to spend the College with approximately 30 rest of his day throwing blicks and n1bble apprentices attending. into The Society's Marsden Stone

The next year the numbers doubled, Crusher and helping Mike Moore to and it was decided to make the event into stoke the portable. Thomas formed a two days. Unfortunately the weather was bond with the enginemen that day and very unkind to us, with sleet, snow and when asked how old he was, he bitterly cold weather. This however, did confidently replied 5¾, the ¾ being very not deter the enthusiasm of the important to him. It was decided by apprentices.The youngestapprentices 1 -~ the Committee that the stone crusher

should be named Thomas 5·¾. It was to the past. Eggs are trickier to cook as they be a few years before the brass plate tend to slip off the shovel into the fire. eventually got screwed on the stone Alterations were made to shovels to crusher - after several reminders from incorporate a lip, thus preventing egg Thomas! He has attended every SAC loss! For those still not convinced, a weekend since then with his brother willing team of helpers cook panfuls of Oliver. Thomas will be 14(¾) this year. eggs in caravans.

In the second year 'The Firebox The third year saw a change of venue Breakfasts' also began. We are not sure to a different part of the Shuttleworth who enjoyed cooking breakfast the most Estate as we had outgrown the - the apprentices or the enginen1en. This Machinery Centre. This seemed like has become the highlight of the heaven as there was a large barn where weekends with enginemen holding a refreshments could be served undercover. competition for the best cooking shovel - From then on the event has gone from using best quality stainless steel no less! strength to strength with over 100 Over the past years approximately 2000 apprentices attending each year. sausages and pieces of bacon have been Memorable moments over the years cooked on a shovel - some more than would fill a book but some of our others. A fair amount of sausages •• ,···, favourites are listed below: have been eaten by the engines in • 11 1, .. At one of the early events we heard

news that a van had been hit by one of the engines. Investigation found that the van belonged to a parent of one of the apprentices, and the engine clri vcr al the time had been none other than our owner Safety Officer Andy Hill.

After a Safely briefing on Saturday morning the engines were soon on the move and after being told to look around before starting off, one apprentice was heard politely but firmly asking World's Fair reporter Michael Gates if he could move as he was in a dangerous position and should know better!

The SAC weekend has had many visitors, one particular one is Teddy Harry who belongs to The Brighty Family. He attends wearing his engine overalls and receives a special certificate each year. It would not be the same without him.

Anglia Television attended one year and highlights of the weekend were

Jonathan Vickery's'Queenof Herts'.

shown on the local news. The SAC end of the weekend which they proudly weekend also formed part of the 50th put in their log books. Anniversary DVD of the BSEPS in 2006. The enthusiasm of the apprentices Each year the content of the weekend seems endless; it is a joy to see the has changed, with visits from Boiler grubby smiles on their tired faces at the Inspectors, Obstacle Driving Courses, end of an intensive weekend. They have Mamod Racing and Steam TV when learnt over the years that if they want to Keith Honom· had Burrell Showman's get up at 5am it should be done very Margaret generating for a TV showing quietly! The success of the SAC The Tron Maiden. The apprentices weekends and the fact that they have thoroughly enjoy the driving of engines grown from strength to strength is due to but also take time out where they can the support of members and friends who chat with new found friends over a glass willingly give up their time to help. of squash and a biscuit. Competitions This year the Bedford Steam Engine such as 'Na1ne the engine part' provide a Preservation Society is proud to host the challenge even for s01ne of the 30th Anniversary Celebrations of the enginemen. Colouring sheets and word Steam Apprentice Club and hope our searches are put out for the younger association continues for many years to apprentices, but s01neof the adults enjoy con1e. Pictures of our past Steam doing these too! All apprentices are.. o. Apprentice events can be found on our presented with a certificate at the . 1 website www.bseps.org.uk.

SAC 30TH BIRTHDAY

by Richard Sandercock - President NTET

Your President has kindly asked his allow all ages to have a go. Many President for his thoughts about your enjoyable years fol.lowed but we never anniversary. I recall for the 21st a progressed to Old Warden standards suggestion that it would have to be where lessons also included drinking disbanded to comply with the age rule for beer and intemperate language. members. A formation in 1979 makes me When the need for written risk realise that my involvement was quite assessments occurred I suggested that early. my team were more at risk from the

I started rallying Burrell R.L. children than the other way round, the No. 3996 Conqueror in 1980 and at parents agreed and we had no problems. many of the west country rallies a girl, With increasingly older drivers and less Sally Robinson I believe, was an engines I have decided my driving days apprentice and joined me to help with the at Dingles have to stop. Fortunately a engine. She had made a cardboard model course in West Cornwall has started and of a Wallis Advance Roller and that was hopefully they can cope with the her entry ticket (is she still out there with demand. an interest in steam?).

John Dyke aided and abetted a About ten years ago I started holding student in demolishing my car park sign a SAC driving day at Dingles Steam with Burrell SRL Star. No harm came to Village and on seeing the list of students the engine. A rapid opening of the was concerned that Damien and his sister regulator on Titan, my Marshall 8 NHP Demelza were only four years old. The TE tipped Dave Trebilcock into the gauge glass is at knee height but for tender but fortunately he recovered small people at face level. The problem before the engine drove through my new was overco1ne by fitting a wooden fairground building. I gave a very good ammunition box on the footplate and •• demonstration, in front of everybody, then we could break all the rules and . ,, , . of driving over the scotch. One then

I am fortunate that I am on the mailing list for Raising Steam, which is a brilliant name and do read it. As long as it comes I wil1 continue to feel part of the SAC and wish it well for the future.

Dave Gynn,coursedirector,his son and granddaughteron my roller Burrell No. 3986, ten years older than 'Conqueror'.Dave appearedabout I 0 years ago havingnever been on an engine,his son came to the adult days and we thus have three generationsof OAP, adult and child apprentices. needs the excuse, which was that the block should have been behind the wheel, not in front. In fact I had neglected rule no.1 to wa1k around the machine before moving off to ensure that nothing or anybody is under it!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO SPONSORS

The following companies and individuals have generously supporlecl the Steam Apprentice Club enabling us to celebrate our 30th anniversary jn style.

Andy Holmes - Coal Merchant

Bedford Stearn Engine Preservation Society - Hosts for the 30th celebrations

British Airways - financial contribucion

Cornish Traction Preservation ClubCourtesy entry tickets

Events Medical - Professional medical cover

Gems Toilets - Provision of toilet facilities

Ian Baxter-Pownell - Cate1ing

JNB Publishing - Certificates

Kearline Graphic Images - Layout and design of the special 30th edition of Raising Steam

Mamod Ltd. - Special edition traction engine for SAC 30th

National Traction Engine Trust - Parent body or the SAC

Nick Parrish - Potatne~

The Shuttleworth Trust - Old Warden Park

The Steam Owners and Drivers ClubDriving experience day

REMINISCENCES

by Michael Lane

I recall it is about U1irty yuan,;sinct; 1 roJlcr driver. He was a very superior resigned the Chairmanship cir the looking fellow in his sixties (I never National Traction Engine Club in order knew his narne), with a saitorial elegance to take up my appointment as Manager of of his own. He always wore spotless the Snowdon Mountain Railway. I overalls and a French style yatchman's remember also that my departure cap. He seemed to be forever brewing tea coincided with the formation of the in a billy-can kept on the footplate. Steam Apprentice Club as a branch of the Obviously he regarded himself as a National, and recall with pleasure the master craftsman, but sadly had no time Committee's discussionsthat took place for a cuTiouslittle boy. at the Great Western Hotel in Other occasional highlights in my Paddington. Since then I have watched young life were the passing of one of with pleasure the deveJopment of both Pickford's big Fowler road engines, often organisations, and hasten to congratulate towing Fowlers 100 ton trailer which was all those members who have contributed used to transport large transformers from so much to their success.

GEC's Stafford works. As I grew older

From a very early age I have had a approachjng my teens I used to cycle to great love for steam road engines and the Tamworth, to John Benton's, a threshing hmnble steam road roller. As a child I contractor at nearby Hopwas, who had lived on the A38 between Birmingham severa] fine Burrell engines. At and Lichfield, and the greatest event of Tainworth I found a good place for train the year for me was the first weekend in spotting on the LMS West Coast Main October, when the Great Aston Union Line from London to Crewe, and spent Fair moved all its paraphernalia to the many days watching Prince of Wales, Nottingham Goose Fair. A score of Claughton, Royal Scot and later Pacific Showman's road engines hauling their class locomotives thundering past. I train of wagons and living vans passed became besotted by steam, and was never my front door, and it was only a matter of jn any doubt that I wanted to become a time before I made friends with some of mechanical engineer when I left school. Pat Collins' drivers as they replenished My greatest friend at school was the their water tanks. The greatest never to son of the American boss of the be forgotten day was when I was given Cincinnati Milling Machine Company, my first footplate ride, which machine tool manufacturers. During my necessitated my father coming chasing last two years at school it was arranged after me in his car. When I returned home that I should work in the factory in my covered in coal dust and oil my mother's school holidays, which in effect provided remarks were unprintable, although she me with a priceless apprenticeship. Upon later admitted I had never looked happier. leaving school I went to Durham

My other childhood hero was the.University to read mechanical Sutton Coldfield Council Aveling . .. , .. engineering.

Next I was fo1tunate and secured a Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Allen place at the Royal Naval Enginccting established a well equipped Lraining College in Plymouth, which without school at the Queens Engineering Works doubt provided me with the happiest and engaged Dr. Horace Lamb as the three years of my life. It was both an demonstrator. Jn 1913 Lamb became academic and practical engineering Professor of Engineering at London sandwich course. The college had superb University. During this peliod at Bedford facilities as a place of learning, sport, and over 100 pupils and apprentices character development, I was able to graduated at the Queens Engineering make life-long friendships. Works, and the distinguished Allen prize

The result of these experiences was was established and awarded to the pupil the life-long appreciation of the value of who demonstrated the most marked good training and apprenticeship. In later progress in engineering in the director's life, after thirty years experience as an opinion. The prize giving became one of employer, r became interested in the most important events in the firm's researching and writing about the history calendar. of engineering and the people who had Such was the benefit of the Allen made it great. It has been a privilege to training scheme it became universally write about some of the remarkable recognised that an Allen apprentice enginee1ing families, the Fowlers, the could get a job anywhere in the world. B urrells, the Marsh.alls, the Fosters, the In both World Wars the then Allens of Bedford, James Meadows Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Rendel, Lord Marks of Woolwich, and said that it would have been impossible Dougald Clerk. Each pioneered training for the Fleet to put to sea without its and apprenticeship schemes of one sort Allen 1nachinery. It was not just a matter or another and produced many excellent of practical experience and academic craftsmen, designers, factory managers qualification that Allen was concerned and salesmen in their day. about. He understood the great value of

W. H. Allen of Bedford, builder of sporting and social activities in steam engines and steam turbines, improving the character and cohesion of centrifugal pumps, heavy electrical the work force. machinery, and later large diesel engines I believe all aspects of Allen's and gas turbines, pioneered the Sandwich philosophy are equally applicable to the Course scheme of combining practical NTET Apprenticeship scheme, and workshop experience with academic should not be overlooked as plans are study. With the alarming growth size of made for the next thirty years. Our the German Fleet prominently in the continued efforts must concentrate upon news in 1900, parliament and our great the training of responsible young people technical institutions were expressing to drive and maintain our steam engines; concern that our engineers were lagging the development of responsible attitudes behind other professions in matters of to health and safety; safeguarding our education. Allen and his friends, Sir steam heritage; and to the provision of Alfred Yarrow and Sir Charles Parsons, the future leaders of the preservation actively took part in discussions at the.. movement. Institute of Naval Architects and the •

STEAM ON THE ROAD

by Andrew Semple -· Vice President NTET

If you look at th~ fro111ol a ~opy or Steaming or rece.ive a teller l'rom lhe Trust it carries the Trust mission 1,tatcment 'preserving our heritage with steam on the road'. The Steam Apprentice Club is a vital part of that task, for without know]edgeab]e owners and drivers the engines would not be used in the future. Many apprentices already have connections with an engine, maybe the family have one, but the club also provides an opportunity for those who have no connection with engines to get involved.

30 years ago some forward thinking members of the Trnst agreed to start the apprentice club and the challenge was taken up by Sylvia Dudley as first Chairman. Over the years the Steam Apprentice Club has become a model used by other similar activites such as preserved

railways and vintage tractors clubs as they in turn sec the need to bring in the next generation to their particular hobby.

In the 30 years we have seen steam apprentices become engine drivers and owners and in turn introduce their children to the joys of the Steam Apprentice Club. The apprentice club is as in1portant as any other task carried out by the Trust to

ensure the future of our hobby and we owe a debt of gratitude to those who started the C1ub 30 years ago and to those who, with endless enthusiasm, continue to mn it today. Above all the Steam Apprentice Club would not be the success we see today without the generous assistance of the many engine owners and crews who willingly take on apprentices of all ages and skills and share their knowledge with them. Long may it continue.

CHRONOLOGY OF THE SAC