Published: Thursday, 10th July, 2008 15:00
Formula fun
By Annabel Williams
Comments (0)
Print Article
SOMETHING a bit faster than the usual traction engines and classic cars is set to make an appearance at the Woodcote Rally this weekend.
That’s because visitors will have the chance to have their picture taken with a Honda F1 racing car, and bid to win one of top driver Rubens Barrichello’s racing suits.
Formula One fans can also enter a raffle to win genuine Honda F1 memorabilia and if all that gets a bit much, there’s always the veteran transport rally.
The two-day event, which opens at 10am on Saturday and Sunday, will feature 220 cars, 97 motorbikes, 13 military vehicles, 38 commercial vehicles and nearly 100 tractors, included the largest collection of single-cylinder tractors in the world.
In what is the rally’s 45th year, there will be 32 full-size steam engines, six new to the rally, two unrestored engines, two half-size steam engines and a record-breaking 26 model steam engines.
The annual Three Lions steam engine road run will take place around the village on the Saturday evening, returning in time for the evening entertainment.
For the children there are quad bikes, a bouncy castle and slide, Punch and Judy, miniature pitch and putt golf, a funfair and Polly’s Parrots, a display of live birds and talks throughout both days.
On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the Fiesta Steel Band will bring a Caribbean flavour to the rally and the Cholsey Silver Band will also perform.
Back by popular demand on the Saturday night are The Lightyears, and rally spokesman Andy Crockett said: “Last year they drew a very large crowd of people dancing and generally having a great time.
“We are really honoured to have them back as they played in South Korea in May, at the Glastonbury Festival last month and now the Woodcote Rally.”
On Saturday evening there will be hot air balloons on display which may take off, depending on the weather.
The Woodcote Festival of Ale, arranged by CAMRA, will have a wine tent provided for the first time by Vintage Roots, Britain’s leading mail order supplier of organic wines.
Profits from the event are returned to local good causes supported by the Woodcote Charitable Association, which has raised more than £300,000 over the years.
The rally is signposted off the A4074 near Woodcote and can be reached using the X40 bus Oxford-Reading station bus.
Further Details
