An historic group will celebrate its 60th anniversary with the biggest Vintage Steam Ploughing Show to take place in a decade – and it’s happening in Shropshire this weekend.
The Steam Plough Club will celebrate 60 years of keeping ploughing engines, tackle and classic skills alive with a special free-to-attend event at Apley Farm Shop on September 5 and 6.
More than 20 pieces of equipment will travel to the county for the event from all over the UK – the biggest event of its kind.
Pete Nicholas, Steam Plough Club General Secretary, said: “We are really looking forward to the event at Apley as it will be the biggest gathering of ploughing engines and implements since 2016.
“There will be so much for members, family and friends to come and see, it is sure to be a great day.
“We will have steam ploughing engines, two diesel converted ploughing engines and a further four engines for demonstration – a Gyrotiller, a Fowler Motor Plough, a Mclaren Windlass and a miniature crane engine – as well as seven different types of plough in use along with seven cultivators too.
“Engines, implements and members will be traveling from all over the country to attend and watch the various engines working.”
The last steam ploughing which took place on the Apley estate, on the A442 between Telford and Bridgnorth, was around 10 years ago, while filming was being done for a TV show – and some of the engines that were working then will be attending once again this year.
Estate Director Graeme Manton said he is delighted to see it back.
“We love to host an event for all the family here at Apley and this is no exception,” he said.
“It will be incredible to see the vast array of equipment here and seeing it in action on our fields will be something to enjoy, I am sure.
“It has been a long time since the Steam Plough Club held an event here as they have to use different locations across the country, but we are delighted that they not only decided to return to Apley, but wanted to spend their 60th anniversary here – we will do everything we can to ensure it is a true celebration of all things steam plough!”
The event will run 10am to 4pm on both days and you can find out more about the club or becoming a member on their website https://steamploughclub.org.uk/ or on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thesteamploughclub.
Apley is also the custodian of 1,500 acres of woodland, a further 3,500 acres of in hand farmland farmed to high environmental standards and 3,500 acres of let farmland, as well as award winning wedding venue Stockton House.
The company also runs the popular Apley Farm Shop, which includes a butchery, café and soft play, and Apley on the High Street, a café in Bridgnorth Town Centre.
Each venture is run and managed with a vision for heritage, environment and community, with each decision carefully considering restoration, sustainability and developing relationships.
For more information about Apley visit www.apleyestate.co.uk.
