The rally started some years ago when a group of local farmers and ‘tractor boys’ got together over a weekend to show off their vintage farm vehicles and steam engines. Money raised that weekend was donated to a local charity and because a good time was had by all, arrangements were made for a repeat rally the following year. Since then the Bolnhurst Vintage & Country Fayre has gone from strength to strength. It has grown to include vintage cars/heavy goods vehicles and static displays together with various local craft stalls. Entertainment has been laid on every year in the main arena, including tractor games and various displays.
This community of enthusiasts has grown and there are now up to 4 generations of families who return to spend the weekend reminiscing about the good old days over the odd pint or three. Each year the Rally committee has tried to retain the original atmosphere and camaraderie that lead to the first get together all those years ago and despite a new younger generation of committee members we continue to ensure this tradition is maintained.
As with the first rally the money raised over each weekend continues to be donated to our local charities, latterly an average of between £2000 and £3000 each year.
Our rally has gone ahead for the majority of the last 30 years and gives us an opportunity to remember previous years, for example the ‘Dunkirk spirit’ shown during the very wet weekend of 2007, discussion for 2009 was the windy conditions of 2008; We cannot arrange the weather but we always endeavour to work with it, however it arrives.
We hope you will consider visiting the Rally this year to take in the vintage vehicles, local craft stands, watch the arena events and more importantly support local Bedfordshire Charities.
