Boconnoc Steam Fair 2011

On the left a Foden steam tractor. On the right a Tasker Little Giant steam tractor. Both different approaches to what a steam tractor for the road should look like.

There were many rumours about this year's show, largely to do with the introduction of a £5 entry fee for cars, motorbikes and tractors. Many of my friends refused to go, saying that this move would kill the goose that laid the golden egg and that people were just getting greedy when times were harder than ever. In the fortnight before the show, idle barbie-side talk (the summer equivalent of idle fireside talk) was that support was so poor cancellation was being discussed.

I thought I'd go along anyway and to be honest you wouldn't have known there'd been all these problems, although there didn't seem to be quite so much there. It's a wonderful setting and I really hope no geese are killed and we can all make golden omelettes.

Boconnoc featured tractor pulling again this year. Those beer cars rose up from the base of the rad every time the throttle was blipped. I wouldn't want to sniff this chap's diff, though.

If exhibitors paid the £5 exhibition fee they could enter as many exhibits as they liked. I talked to one chap I know and he said he got mother-in-law, son and his girlfriend into the show for that fiver. In that light it seemed to good value.

It still think the die-hard Cornish boys won't go next year. Some say they feel they are being made to feel like second class citizens and I've been told each steam engine gets £400 in appearance money. But it is a steam fair and the traction engines are what bring the public in.

Those who didn't go to Boconnoc are all looking forward to Morval Vintage Rally (27th to 29th August) and Lanlivery Vintage Rally and Country Fair (10th and 11th September). In fact, I've been swept up in their enthusiasm and will be at Lanlivery with my Allegro (VT No.23) because my Hillman Imp (VT No.40) won't be ready.

So what vehicle would I have liked to have in my garage?

I had a Matchbox model of one of these. If memory serves me right it was called a Thames Estate Car and had more windows. I reckon this a van that's been converted. If I wanted to get in my garage I'd have to lose that roofrack.

I have many happy childhood memories of the Thames vans and minibuses and on a rarity factor alone one that is not a camper van must be an incredible survivor. I particularly like the way it doesn't look restored. Cherished is the word that springs to mind.