Utopia?

Masham Steam Engine Rally

Saturday 18th July 2015

Why the above photograph? I decided on this because to me, this image has a lot of what Masham Traction Engine Rally means to me. First, it's old heavy engineering, which means plenty of hot oil on the big moving parts (which has a unique smell and glistens in the sun). Then there is the hissing of steam from safety valves, the smoke from the firebox rising from the chimneys and covering the area in thick smoke (hence the dark sky), breathe deeper - cough, cough! The heat from the boiler and boiling water dripping. What you cannot see, but I can hear is a Gavioli fairground organ blasting out some appropriate 'fairground music', and being Masham, a vision of the photographer with a pint of Theakstons in hand. With all senses suitably stimulated, "That's Masham" or to some utopia! Visit Sunday and find out what you are missing.