Great day out at Riverside Rally

THE date and location changed but the appreciation of the crowd was still there for all to see at this year’s Riverside Steam and Vintage Vehicle Rally.

The rally took place at Leisure Lakes last weekend after heavy rain flooded the traditional Riverside Park in Banks around the original date in April.

The weather gods were smiling this time though, providing a weekend of sun and the organisers of the event will no doubt look back with pride as crowds flocked to the bigger Mere Brow site.

Featuring 25 full-size steam engines, several more miniature steam engines, more than 500 vintage and classic vehicles as well as Fred Dibnah’s Land Rover and steam roller ‘Betsy’, the event was organised to be entirely not-for-profit, with all money raised going to local charities.

A children’s and vintage fairground was also among the key attractions, as was Aunt Nellie’s Victorian Tea Rooms which received rave reviews from hungry visitors.

After the rally, visitors were quick to praise the organisers on social media.

Writing on Facebook, Pam Clague said: “Enjoyed my pot of tea and cake at Aunt Nellie’s tea room, escorted to my seat by young man, great service all round. Loads of classic vehicles, well done to all for well organised weekend.”

Paul Damen added: “What a great day we had Saturday. Thanks to all involved, Parking and gen organisation were spot on.

“Nice clean site. Looking forward to next year.”

Paul Morgan raved: “What a great weekend, showing my old vintage moped, can’t wait to book for 2017.”

Meanwhile, Helen Cookson was one of many to pledge to return to next year’s event. She wrote: “Very pleasant weekend. Organisation great. Hope you keep this venue. Heard a lot of positive comments. Will be back again to display next year.”