Age of Steam Comes to Life at Poole's Mini Steam on the Quay
10th May 2018
The marvels of steam will take centre stage as Poole Quay plays host to a bygone era of magnificent miniature steam engines on Saturday 12 May, 10am-5pm.
Part of Wave 105 Summertime in the South, the popular festival of miniature traction engines celebrates the sights, sounds and smells of the age of steam. Now in its ninth year, Mini Steam on the Quay has grown steadily. It is sponsored by Poole Pirates Speedway and this year, will see more than 30 working machines on display.
The event is organised by Richard Harvey and local enthusiasts in conjunction with Poole Tourism. It features a display of beautiful miniature steam traction engines – with many providing free rides along the Quay – and showcases a diverse mix of unique engines, all lovingly built and maintained by their owners. This year’s event also welcomes exhibitors from all the surrounding counties.
The event also heralds the return of Alice, the popular full-size 1909 Stanley Model R Steam car as featured on BBC’s The One Show. Hand-built over four years, using traditional parts and materials, by Steve Baldock CTO of Steam Traction World Daventry, Alice is one of only two made-to-measure vehicles created in this way through hours of painstaking labour and ingenuity.
Richard Harvey, said: “Many of the exhibits are unique feats of engineering, recreated from original Victorian drawings or old photographs, representing hours of hard work. It’s fantastic to see the raw elements of coal, water and fire create the unique smell of steam that brings a piece of mechanical engineering to life. We love showing off our handiwork and really look forward to sharing it with people.”
Graham Richardson, Poole Tourism Manager, said: “Mini Steam is a brilliant family day out, especially for children. For many, it’s their first experience of steam engines and it’s a great chance to get up close, have a ride and find out more about these magnificent machines.”
In order to host the event, Poole Quay will be closed to traffic 9am-7pm.
Find out more at bournemouth.co.uk and pooletourism.com.
