All the fun of the fair

Crowds flocked to see a steamy spectacle and all the fun of the fair at Knavesmire, York

Enthusiasts from across the country had brought their precious engines of many different shapes and sizes to the York Steam Rally, which was continuing today.

They included traction engines and steam wagons, road rollers and others connected with farming, including threshing machines.

John Smith, of Dalton, Thirsk, had brought three steam machines to the event - a 1904 Burrell he brought back derelict from New Zealand ten years ago and which is now in prime condition; a 1902 Fowler which was once in Australia but is now mainly driven by his wife Susan; and a 1908 Foster tractor which won a silver medal in a Government competition in Edwardian times.

Mr Smith, who has been working on steam engines for 31 years, praised the York rally, saying: "It's good for the people of York, it's not a bad little show."

Another enthusiast who brought his engine to the show was Conservative Euro-MP and Ryedale farmer Robert Goodwill.

He seemed a little surprised to be asked about the European Parliament's voting system during the commentary as he entered the ring, but took it in his stride and pledged to help British pig farmers.

Meanwhile at Sheriff Hutton former Coronaton Street star Peter Armitage teamed up with the Sam Smith's Brewery shire horses to help boost awareness of meningitis.

The craggy-faced actor was in Sheriff Hutton on Saturday to declare open a fundraising event entitled Frost In Summer.

Peter played builder Bill Webster who ran off to Germany with Maureen Holdsworth in the long-running soap opera.

But in real life he is a friend of Sheriff Hutton couple Paul and Nichola Frost, whose 10-month daughter Jasmin has staged a full recovery after falling dangerously ill with meningococcal septicaemia in June.

To show their appreciation, friends and relatives of the Frost family joined forces to raise money for the paediatric intensive care units at York District Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary, where Jasmin received lifesaving treatment.

The Frost in Summer fundraiser on the village green was followed on Saturday evening by an auction at the Castle Inn.

Paul, 34, a coffee salesman, and Nichola, 29, a mobile hairdresser, also aim to raise money for the Meningitis Research Association in the hope of preventing other parents going through what they experienced.

At Cawood there was a huge turn-out for a Bank Holiday celebration of local craftwork.

Organisers of the 17th Cawood Craft Festival said it looked well on the way to raising between £5,000 and £6,000 for the village church after costs have been accounted for.

As usual the activity was not confined to the main exhibition at All Saints' Church, as there were stalls all over the village. Festival committee member Dot Hunt said there were 40 to 50 stalls at the vicarage, for example, and teas and stalls at the old boys' school.

There was no particular theme to this year's event, unlike last year when it centred on the nursery rhyme of Humpty Dumpty, which is believed to refer to Cardinal Wolsey who lived at Cawood Castle for nine months.

But that didn't stop the visitors coming. Mrs Hunt said people had arrived from York and Knottingley and as far afield as Wakefield and Bradford.

She said the number of exhibits was up and there definitely seemed to be more people than last year. "Everyone seems to have enjoyed it," she said.

The winner of the £100 prize for best overall exhibit was Judith Whitehead from Thorpe Willoughby with her lace work.

As well as the crafts in the church there was a section devoted to past newspaper stories about the village, with examples from the Evening Press detailing the flood of November 1982.

The festival was continuing today.

At Castle Howard, near Malton, young visitors found plenty to amuse them over the weekend.

Castle Howard has been hosting a special children's weekend with attractions including a haunted castle puppet show.

The stately home, which is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year, has long been a favourite place for grown-ups to enjoy a day out. It sought to broaden its appeal to younger visitors by laying on clowns, magic shows, a bucking bronco and a "bungee equaliser".

Starting on Saturday and ending today, youngsters were admitted to Castle Howard's grounds and the adventure playground at a reduced rate.

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