Tinkers Park: Getting Ready for The Big Day

Today was the second day of the 51st Annual Steam Engine Rally held at Tinkers Park, beside the A272 close to the village of Hadlow Down in Sussex.

This man here certainly looks the part in his bowler hat and overalls as he gets his machine ready to face the crowds on what was already, by 10:55 when this picture was taken, a blisteringly hot summer Sunday.

There was certainly plenty to see today (and manifold opportunities for 'people watching'). The umbrella term 'Steam Engine Rally' was interpreted somewhat loosely: basically any item of machinery whose operation left behind a significant carbon footprint was considered welcome.

There was time for a friendly chat at many of the stalls in the sales area, while elsewhere on the field there was an opportunity to make one's views known on a variety of topical subjects - not least, the forthcoming EU Referendum. (A couple of official 'Vote Leave' posters were clearly displayed to drivers as they left the site!)

Earlier this evening, back in our cottage further down the A272 we were treated to a couple of engines steaming past on their way home (and, to their credit, slowing down traffic along this busy main road as they did so!)