The Bonny Cravat pub in Woodchurch welcomed the world of steam, and many of its local supporters, for a pint and an impromptu get-together, as four traction engines dating from the turn of the last century, steamed into the village last Saturday.
Bill Giles, director of the annual Weald of Kent steam rally, led the convoy aboard his own Burrell traction engine, ‘Titaness’, followed by ‘Corn Maiden’, ‘Queen o’ Scots’ and ‘General French’, a 1916 Fowler ploughing engine, being welcomed back to Kent after a 50-year absence in Dorset.
The new owner of ‘General French’, Woodchurch resident Robin Andrews, was present with nine-year-old daughter India, alongside his new acquisition, sitting in pride of place in the pub car park.
“It’s a great bit of fun for us steam enthusiasts,” said Bill, “Our first outing of 2022, a new owner for an engine returning to Kent where it was built in 1916, and a chance to meet friends and raise money for a brave young lad fighting brain cancer.”
A bucket collection raised over £300 for ‘Oli’s Fight Against Jerry’, the 15-year-old Ashford schoolboy fighting an aggressive brain tumour requiring specialist treatment only available in Germany, the US, or Japan.
Oli’s brain cancer was diagnosed in July 2021 and the cost for treatments will reach £200,000.
Donations and support have come from friends, family, many local businesses as well as celebrity support from comedians Lee Mack, Rob Brydon, Michael McIntyre and Jack Whitehall.
Donations to Oli’s Fight Against Jerry can be made here: https://gofund.me/ce9e5bce
Image Credits: Chris Lawson .