Nottingham Road - Welcome to Nottingham Road

zoom Vintage Case Cross Motor Tractor on steel wheels - Nottingham Road Vintage and Steam Show Photo: Rob North

Vintage and Steam

The Famous Vintage and Steam Show has firmly established itself in the calendar of events in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, and is widely regarded as possibly the best show of its kind in Natal. With its unique combination of vintage agricultural equipment, rural crafts, modern machinery and, of course, the freshly prepared food and locally brewed beer for which the area is justly famous, all presented in a relaxed atmosphere in a most beautiful setting, this event is certainly 'The Show with Something for Everyone'.

This show usually takes place on Rawdon's Estate at Nottingham Road in October.

The only pre-requisite for any exhibit at Vintage & Steam is that it should have some connection, however tenuous, with agriculture. Wherever possible, each exhibit is displayed doing the sort of work that it was originally designed and produced for. You will thus see tractors ploughing and cultivating, while stationary engines will be popping and banging while they drive pumps, generators, maize mills, sawbenches and the like. However, vintage tractors are not the only pieces of machinery that are on display at the show. Steam engines, vintage and classic cars, vintage motor cycles and historic commercial vehicles are there: many of them painstakingly restored and each exhibit lovingly cared for by the proud owner. While the majority of the exhibits are based in Natal, some come from further afield.

Those who are not so keen on looking at old machinery will find plenty to interest at the Vintage & Steam show. Nottingham Road is well known for the quality of its craft fairs and the one at Vintage & Steam is no exception. With the festive season not so far away, this is a good opportunity to find those out-of-the- ordinary Christmas presents. A display is often put together to show something of the history of Nottingham Road and of some of the companies and organisations that have featured in the development of the area. This is a most interesting display and certainly one not to be missed. Another exhibit that should not be ignored is the display of old sewing machines.

Horse lovers are catered for by the display of carriage driving by the Horse and Carriage Society and by the demonstration of the farrier. Dog lovers, too, are not forgotten, with Jack Russell racing and Gun Dog demonstrations.

zoom 'Tractors on parade' - Nottingham Road Vintage and Steam Show Photo: Rob North

After a couple of hours wandering around the show, one's thoughts naturally turn to refreshment. A visit to the catering marquee should satisfy even the most discerning palate. Freshly prepared hot and cold food, in styles ranging from South African to Asian will be available. The famous Nottingham Road Brewing Company is on hand to slake the thirst of the weary visitor.

Even when the sun goes down, things will still happen at Vintage & Steam ! Make a date for The Famous Vintage and Steam Show! The show with something for everyone!

For more information about The Famous Vintage and Steam Show, please contact Nottingham Road Tourism and Information Centre at int. + 27 33 266 6308, or e-mail notts@futurenet.co.za .

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