The opening crank-up, at Gordon's Farm on the 16th was an outstanding success. The weather was very good to us, sunny if a little chilly in the wind, and we had a very good turn-out. Once again Paula, Sue and Debbie kept us supplied with tea, coffee and various tasty morsels.

The afternoon concluded with the usual raffle, and the total amount sent to the Alzheimers society was £306.58

Many thanks to everyone involved.

 

That was followed last week by another success – the Cranmore bring and buy. The weather was again very favourable and encouraged more sellers than we have seen for a while. There were not as many buyers as we would have liked but nevertheless everyone went home satisfied. The railway profited to the sum of £80 while club funds gained £133. Many thanks to the Cranmore station staff and of course Eric for organising it.

 

The next event is the AGM on Monday followed on Saturday by another of Eric's BBQ days at the WWSME at Westbury.

​

12/3/25

For technical reasons it has become necessary to migrate some photos etc. to secure storage temporarily. 

Don’t forget the AGM is coming up and it is your chance to have a say in the running of the club. We are still looking for new committee members and a treasurer so please think about sparing a few hours a month for the good of the club.

25/2/25

Last night we had a grand total of nine people at our monthly meeting, a record for this year. It turned out to be a very enjoyable evening, showing that we don't need a speaker or games if everyone is prepared to share experiences and history. Eric showed a few photos which jogged memories and brought about some reminiscences which I for one found quite entertaining. I would urge anyone who can to come along and meet the others over a pint.

01/02/25

The club meeting on Monday was attended by the grand total of four people. Eric is very keen to keep these meetings going but this is unsustainable. Please let us know what further events you would like to see. Or maybe a different club night would be better?

On the other hand 15 members and three non-members were treated to a very enjoyable and reasonably-priced meal at the Old Down Inn last night, where the evening finished with one of Eric's usual raffles.

Looking forward to spring, Gordon has planned another crank-up at Whaddon Farm, on the 16th March. These are becoming increasingly popular so please let Gordon know if you intend to bring an engine or two along.

26/01/25

I'm afraid that through an administrative error the membership forms haven't gone out as planned. I would ask anyone who can to download a form or to renew online. Failing that forms will be sent out with the February edition, or Caroline will send out a form if requested.

30/12/24

With Christmas over it was time once again to head for Gordon's crank-up at Whaddon Farm yesterday. By my count there were 26 engines – inside and outside the barn – from Pete Gear's big Allan to the little Maytag being tended by Shaun Murell, and coming from as far away as Suffolk and Stoke on Trent; thank you Paul Goldsmith and Brian Lightfoot.

The event was powered as usual by Sue and Paula with their superb soup, crumble, cakes and sandwiches. Many thanks are due to them. All donations were in aid of the Alzheimers Society.

There was a big and successful raffle to round off the day, which finished around 3pm.

Thank you Gordon and Paula for hosting us, we look forward to the next one.

29/11/24

The meeting on Monday evening was a bit of a mixed bag. Upon my arrival I found our speaker, Tony Beeching, attempting to get a huge TV to talk to his laptop. Unfortunately, in the way of electronic gizmos, it refused to play so after about 30 mins our hero turned to plan B and the show went ahead using a projector, so that although we still had the pictures the sound was very limited.

However, once under way the talk proved very interesting, showing the amazing and sometimes inventive work carried out and the techniques learned during the restoration of his traction engine, mostly carried out in his front garden! Indeed it proved to be so engrossing that it continued until around 10 pm.

I enjoyed it immensely, and I'm sure that had the TV not played up it would have been even better, so I'm glad that about a dozen of us turned up, far more than we are used to. The committee does its best to find interesting and informative speakers like Tony, and if anyone knows of one please let any committee member know.

23/11/24

Looking forward to seeing you on Monday at the Old Down Inn where the guest speaker will be Tony Beeching, who will be treating us to a musical journey through the restoration of his steam traction engine.

26/10/24

Just a quick reminder that the club meeting on Monday 28th October will be a talk by Paul Allen during which he will be showing us some of his collection of agricultural veterinary items and attempting find out what we know about them. It promises to be great fun so come along and show him how much you know!

5/10/24

Today's sale at Cranmore was a lot busier than it has been since the lockdown, and it may be that the weather had a bearing on it, with plenty of sun and a reasonably gentle breeze.

Many thanks to Herb for putting out the signs and Tony for handling the money – and indeed both of them for manning the gate. Total takings were £215 of which £70 went to the station, to whom we are extremely grateful.

We will, of course, be planning another in the spring which I hope will be even better.

4/10/24

Those of you with a long memory may remember ex-member Ivor Yeo. Unfortunately he has just passed away, and his family would like you to know that the funeral will be held at 11.30am on Tuesday 22nd October at the Mendip Crematorium. His collection of engines will be going to the Internal Fire Museum.

1/10/24

Last night's meeting was attended by just four people, so perhaps it was a blessing that the speaker also failed to turn up! We who were there had a good time, with two of our number reminiscing and bringing to life some of the history of the Somerset coalfields. The next meeting will feature Paul Allen and his collection of agricultural/veterinary items. I would urge all members to come along or let us know what you would prefer.

22/9/24

This weekend saw a very successful crank-up at the East Somerset Railway's Cranmore Station, where 21 stationary engines and a miniature steam engine collected in the sunshine.There was a good variety of makes and types, from Pete Gear's Allan gas engine to Dan Cheeseman's little Perkins. A fair few of the railway's visitors called by to have a look and a chat, and one chap said that he was there to see our engines as he had seen it on Facebook, and the railway steam-up was a bonus!

Be sure to come to the Old Down Inn at the end of the month for a talk on the restoration of a steam traction engine (with music) given by Tony Beeching. I'm told it will be well worth the effort.

5/9/24

It is with the greatest regret that I have to announce that the show to be held this weekend at Bradford Leigh has been cancelled due to the continuing wet weather. Please let anyone you can know so that no-one has a wasted journey.

20/8/24

Last night's meeting was the best attended for some time, and the audience (some of whom were club members) enjoyed a talk given by Ted Edwards on his experiences in the Isle of Man – on and off the bike.

The next event on the calendar is the crank-up and BBQ at Gordon's farm on the 28th. Please let him know if you intend to go as he needs to make plans according to numbers. By all means bring your own food (but let him know). Turn up any time after 12 noon, and the BBQ will start some time around 5pm. Paula will be supplying tea, coffee etc. and a collection will be taken in aid of Alzheimer's research.

12/8/24

I would like to remind Club members about the crank-up and BBQ to be held at Gordon's in a couple of weeks. The updated details are as follows:

Entry limited to WSEC club members and invited guests (please let one of us know you're coming). Donations to Alzheimers research. The crank up will be in the afternoon, arrive any time after midday, and the BBQ from 5pm. If the weather is good it will be in the field, otherwise the barn is available as usual. Tea and coffee will be supplied.

Please remember that the club meeting at the Old Down Inn will be held next Monday (19th) due to the bank holiday.

7/8/24

The response to the proposed BBQ at Gordon's later this month has been extremely disappointing. If you are hoping to take part please contact me, Eric or Gordon so that we can plan the event.

I would also remind you that we will be attending the Westbury Lions' Family Fun Day on 1st September and all those attending should contact me ASAP so that I can reserve the necessary space.

If you haven't got your Bradford entry in yet please do so ASAP. Time is getting short!

30/7/24

Last night's club meeting at the Old Down Inn was better attended than usual, with seven of us having a good natter. There was no speaker but in true pub fashion many matters were discussed and stories exchanged. The next meeting (19th August due to the bank holiday) will feature Ted Edwards who has been prevailed upon to say a few words about the Manx Grand Prix.

24/7/24

A reminder that there is a club meeting next Monday (29th) at the Old Down Inn. If you have any ideas for future events come along and share them.

24/7/24

The funeral service will take place at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington on Thursday 1st August at 11.00am.
Family flowers only please, but donations to the Alheimers Society may be sent to; Wayne Kelly Independent Funeral Directors. R20 Marshall way, Commerce Park, Frome. BA11 2FE. 01373 476277.
Or donate via website https://www.alzheimers.org.uk

22/7/24

I regret to announce the death of Jackie Lambert following a long illness.

Jackie was a massive part of the club in the early days, taking on many roles including secretary, treasurer and  newsletter editor. Details of the funeral haven't yet been announced. My thoughts go out to Robin and the rest of the family.

12/6/24

For those wishing to attend Fred Biggs' funeral it is to be held at 11am next Tuesday, 18th June, at St John's Church, Chilcompton. Leave plenty of time because it can be quite tricky to find.

12/6/24

Roys Cox's funeral service will be held at Weston Crematorium (BS22 9NY) at 2:30 pm, Wednesday 19 June. Friends are welcome for light refreshments and to share memories (and to bring photos if they wish) at The Full Quart, Hewish, where Roy & his brother (the late Ivor Cox), organised and held many ‘Crank-ups’ through the 1980’s, to raise money for ‘Cancer & Leukaemia in Children’. For those who wish to do so, Donations to Cancer Research UK.

4/6/24

Don't forget to contact Pete Gear (0735 9021361) if you intend to go to Breamore on 23rd June. It is extremely important that we know numbers.

Please let me (secretary@wessexsec.org or 0775 1918283) know if you intend to go to the Westbury Family Fun Day on 1st September or the Roger Pike Memorial Crank-up on 21st September, for both of which we need numbers so that space can be allocated.

31/5/24

Sad to report that On Monday we lost another two of our long-time members, Fred Biggs and Roy Cox.

31/5/24

NO LONGER AVAILABLE

"I am contacting you on behalf of the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum.

The museum has a BENTALL 2.5HP “PIONEER” Petrol engine on trolley.

Engine No 15116 manufactured in 1915.
3.5” bore & 5” stroke
Bentalls of Heybridge, Maldon, Kent.  Sold as seen.

The museum is asking £450 ono."

There are some photos in the gallery.

22/5/24

WSEC Members have been invited to attend a crank up at Breamore House and Museum on Sunday 23rd June 2024 (This crank up could get cancelled at short notice due to poor weather conditions and soft grass site). The crank up will run from 9am until 4pm and there will be wrist bands issued upon arrival, these are to give you free museum entry.  Could we please remind people that there is no vehicle parking behind engines, vehicles must be unloaded and removed from the walled garden, vehicle parking will be provided close by.  There is a tap within the walled garden for your engines, it is very important that engines are either cooled or very hot water is removed by bucket so the grass is not killed, this grass is used by other people for many events!. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads.  There is an onsite café and toilets are available. We do require numbers for this event, so please could you let the club know if you are attending.  If you do have any questions you can contact Pete Gear on 07359021361. 

21/5/24

To those of you who decided not to go to the meeting last night I can only say that you missed some cracking cheese & onion rolls! There were 40 of them to be divided among the half dozen of us, so we did very well, and went home with full doggie bags.

Seriously, it was a good time to catch up with others and find out what's going on, so if anyone is tempted to say in the future that they are kept in the dark about club matters then the answer is in their own hands.

With the annual show coming up all too quickly it is time to put in a plea for help over the weekend. The more volunteers we have the less time each will need to spend helping, and there is nothing too taxing – car parking, litter picking, helping on the cash desk, marshalling... all of these things are hard for the handful of us who put on the show to cover. If you think you can give a hand at all please get in touch with Eric or me.

6/5/24

Last Monday we had a very entertaining talk about the East Somerset Railway, history and plans for the future. The turnout was extremely disappointing but the few of us there enjoyed it immensely. It is increasingly difficult to find entertaining speakers so any ideas from members as to what you would like at a meeting would be appreciated.

26/4/24

Be sure to come along to the Old down Inn on Monday for a talk on the East Somerset Railway. I'm sure there's going to be lots of interesting stuff so please support your club and come along.

Also don't forget that the crank-up at the WWSME at Westbury will take place next weekend (re-arranged due to flooding), so if you're not going to Abbey Hill why not come along and join us at Westbury?

 

23/4 24

The crank-up on Sunday was a great success after Herb offered the use of his yard at Lydford. He will be doing a full report but suffice it to say that the sun shone, there was a great variety of engines, and Herb & family did a great job of catering.

The raffle raised £72 and donations added up to £242.32 making a total of £314.32 to go to the Alzheimers Society. Great thanks to Herb & family for a really good day out.

15/4/24

For those intending to go to Sweet's crank-up this weekend please note that due to the weather the venue has changed to Lydford Agricultural Store. TA11 9DL

Engines running from 10-4, Arrival from 9am onwards, catering in attendance. Level hardstanding area, 30 or so engines capacity. Water available, donations to Alzheimer’s as usual.

Those bringing bigger engines, suggest avoid Wraxall Hill, from Cannards Grave, take the A371 to Castle Cary, then take the B3153 to Lydford traffic lights, back onto the A37 towards Shepton and second left. Any problems or questions please contact Herb Gane on 07836

349289

A brief reminder that it is club night on Monday, and Eric will be giving a talk on Petters and suchlike. Come along and give support to your club, you might even enjoy it!

And talking of enjoyment, Anthony has managed to secure a burger van for Lilley's crank-up on the 6 April. It will be there from early on so breakfast after setting up should now be an option.

18/3 24

Please note that due to flooding we will not be holding the crank-up on the 6 April at the WWSME at Westbury as planned, but at Lilley's Cider Farm, Bunns Lane, Frome BA11 5ES.

15/2/24

On Monday Eric and I went to Dorothy House to present the £1,300 raised at the Bradford Leigh Vintage Gathering last September. The photograph shows Chelsea Wallace from Dorothy House, Eric Gay, Ted Edwards and Eric's daughter, Catherine Lovering. The cheque was well received and we have been asked if we can do it again in September. The committee is willing but volunteers are needed to make it work.

 

11/2/24

You might have encountered difficulty getting on to the website recently. This is because it is in need of an update, and things are in hand to sort it out. I can only apologise to anyone who has been inconvenienced.

We are close to completing the calendar for 2024 and it should be available for the AGM in two weeks time. For the present please note that the crank-up at Sweets Tea Rooms is now set for 6th July, please ring Herb to book a place.