The Masham Rally is always popular with steam enthusiasts. This two day event was filmed on the 15th and 16th July and includes, as well as steam tractors, other vintage machines and a display by a parachute team. Tiles: 'J K Snowden Presents' 'Masham Traction Engine Rally 1978' 'ferriacolor, sound stripe by Castle Gate Laboratory, Shipton' 'Written and Produced by J K Snowden' The film begins with a view over a large field filling up with steam...

The Masham Rally is always popular with steam enthusiasts. This two day event was filmed on the 15th and 16th July and includes, as well as steam tractors, other vintage machines and a display by a parachute team. Tiles: 'J K Snowden Presents' 'Masham Traction Engine Rally 1978' 'ferriacolor, sound stripe by Castle Gate Laboratory, Shipton' 'Written and Produced by J K Snowden' The film begins with a view over a large field filling up with steam tractors, people and tents. The commentary notes that the event has been organised by Masham Town Hall Association. There is a line of steam rollers and tractors in the field, some begin to move off into a procession. These include: a 1914 Wallace and Stevens Steam Tractor, and the oldest tractor on display, 'Black Bess', a 6 hp single cylinder general purpose tractor made in 1900. There is also a Tasker Steam Tractor from 1902, an Aveling Tractor from 1927 and a Masham Steam Wagon, which wins a trophy. The commentary mentions several others providing some details of their history and ownership. Those attending the show watch the parade. Cars and caravans can be seen parked on the hill overlooking the field. Mrs Harrison is at the wheel of 'Black Bess'. There is a large display of steam rollers, over 30 in total. A man drives a model tractor across the field, and other models are on display, 45 in all, at the model tent. The Kings Division Junior Band also march across the field playing. 'Black Bess' gives a threshing demonstration, winning the Duke Brewer Cup for best performance. At the fairground there is Beech's Galloping Horses merry-go-round, and a large slide behind it. Six fairground organs are also on display, the biggest being a 98 key Gavioli, and including a Limonaire from Holland built in 1915. Next there is a display given by the Blue Eagles Parachute Team, with several parachutists landing in the field, followed by the airplane flying low over the arena. On Sunday the day begins with an open-air service given by the Rev Crawford, the vicar of Masham, with brass band accompaniment. There is a further display of steam rollers and organs including the winners of some of the trophies. The clown Ben Lester gives a comic performance with his crazy car. Next comes a display of vintage motorcycles dating back to 1912, including an AGS from 1925. The Scammell chain driven truck wins the Albion Break prize. There are also many vintage motorcars on display, and finally, a Tetley's horse drawn bray being pulled by two shire horses.