All steamed up about transport; Family Day Out STEAM enthusiasts should make a note in their diaries not to miss the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Steam and Vintage Rally which is happening next month. ANNEVANS finds out what's in store for lovers of vintage vehicles.

Byline: ANNEVANS

THIS favourite steam and old vehicle event proved so popular last year, it has moved to a new larger event for this year - Cheltenham Racecourse.

Taking place over the weekend of October 11-12, the GWR Steam and Vintage Rally has abundant attractions for all the family.

There will be traction engines, showman's engines and steam engines; classic cars, buses and motorcycles; vintage lorries, tractors and a fun fair; military vehicles, emergency vehicles and caravans.

The main arena will host non-stop demonstrations and parades and there will be ploughing, stonemasonry and farriery. In addition, there will be craft and trade stalls, a model tent and a refreshments marquee.

Those who are really clued up on steam, will want to see some historic traction engines such as the Pride of the Walk, a unique single-cylinder 100-year-old Robey vehicle. Also steamrollers such as an 1899 Aveling & Porter, which was purchased as scrap and has taken 33 years to restore.

Members of the public can judge the display vehicles for themselves and influence who wins the Kath Greening Memorial Trophy for the Best in Show and the winners of prizes for Best in Section.

Visitors can even arrive at and depart from the rally by steam train, as the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWR) will be operating a special service departing from and returning to Toddington (see www.gwsr.com for timetable) On track with the GWR THE GWR is an all-volunteer steam and diesel heritage railway in the Cotswolds.

Since 1981 volunteers have restored more than 10 miles of line, together with platforms, buildings, steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock.

In addition to a scheduled service, the GWR hosts a number of galas, enthusiasts' events and family events including Santa Specials and Fish and Chips specials

TheDetails

WHERE: The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Steam and Vintage Rally at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday and Sunday, October 11-12.

OOPPEENN: 9.30am-4.30pm each day.

ADMISSON: Adults pounds 6, senior citizens pounds 5, children five to 15 years pounds 3, family (two adults and up to three children) pounds 15. Adult combined ticket with return GWR Steam train to and from Toddington and the racecourse pounds 17.

Disabled car park access.

Camping available.

For further information visit www.gwsr.com TheVerdict

ALTHOUGH the GWR Steam and Vintage Rally encompasses a wide range of interests, the steam vehicles are the main attraction of the event.

Steam section leaders Matt and Rachel Shipton say: "As engine owners ourselves, we want to educate people to take an interest in the steam movement, to ensure it survives through generations to come. The fun, informal atmosphere shows off the owners' personalities.

The sense of humour and enjoyment of the custodians rubs off on the public, which is what a steam rally should be about."

CAPTION(S):

WHEEL DEAL...... Military vehicles and vintage double--decker buses ((inset right)) are just two off the attractions at the GWR Steam and Vintage Rally.