The Great Dorset Steam Fair

Prepaid camping is now closed. However, subject to availability camping and entrance tickets can be purchased on arrival at the showground. Please enter the site through gate 4 and make your way to the Enquiries office. Our normal terms and conditions will apply regarding the exclusion of commercial vehicles in our campsites. Only cars, tents, caravans and properly manufactured passanger carrying vehicles e.g. Landrover Discovery will be permitted. Camper vans and motorhomes will also be admitted if properly manufactured. Caravans must not exceed 24ft (excluding draw bar). You can check camping availability before you travel by phoning 01258 577032 or 01258 577037, on or after 28th August. All prepaid camping wil be charged at £15 per night per pitch.

Following the continued success of this annual award scheme and to mark the 42^nd anniversary of The Great Dorset Steam Fair a competition is to be run to find five young Dorset heroes. The Chairman of the selection panel, Councillor Della Jones, MBE, said “We are seeking to celebrate the achievements of the young people of Dorset in the following categories:

2. Dedication to home life/the community i.e. helping to care for others and proving an inspiration

In addition to the above, the President, Mrs Jean Oliver, will present the Michael Oliver trophy in recognition of outstanding achievement

Application by letter only to be received by Saturday 29th May 2010 Applicants can apply individually (with permission of parent/guardian) or be proposed by parents, school, clubs, carers or societies. All letters limited to 100 words and must include the category, address and telephone number. Due to anticipated response, applications will be limited to young people between 9 and 18. From all letters received a panel comprising representatives from education, National & Local charities, The local press and The Great Dorset Steam Fair will select the heroes who will be asked to attend a presentation evening.

Each of the heroes will receive the accolade “Great Dorset Steam Fair Hero” and be presented with a certificate of recognition plus a non-transferable five-day family car pass to the 2010 Great Dorset Steam Fair. This will allow the hero and family to drive onto the steam fair site and park in the reserved allocated car park every day of the fair from Wednesday 1st September to Sunday 5th September 2010. Applications to:

McLaren Special
There will be a special and unique gathering at this year's show of one of the most famous makes of steam engine "J & H McLaren Ltd, Engineers" of Leeds founded in 1876. The Mclaren exhibition will be the main feature of the 2010 show.

Porsche Tractor Special
We will be presenting an unusual collection of Porsche tractors within the Static tractor Section of this year's show. The display will be presented by Porsche Club Great Britain.

'GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR' 40 NOT OUT! - A lavishly illustrated book (over 150 colour and black and white photos) celebrating the 2008 40th anniversary of the Great Dorset Steam Fair from the very beginnings at 'Steam Parties' in 1968 through to the huge growth of the event today. This well researched book by Stephen Hubbuck, one of the original committee members, has dozens of rare photographs from these early days, many in colour. We also have biographies of people involved in the very beginning and who were instrmental in the success of the Show. Read about the first steam parties and steam workings and how these developed into the largest show of its kind in the world. 80 pages, Paperback 275 x 173mm £10.00 + postage

SPONSORS FOR 2010
We are pleased to welcome "Courage Best Bitter " as our main sponsor, this being the fifth consecutive year as our main sponsor. Courage Best, is supplied to us by the Scottish & Newcastle group (S & N UK), a partner brewer of the brand owners Wells & Young's. We are looking forward to working with them once again.
We also welcome three secondary sponsors,"Vintage Spirit" magazine and "Old Glory" magazine and New Holland Agriculture.
We are very pleased to have all sponsors on board with us in 2010.

Friends Association

If you would like to become a member of our new Friends Association please click on the "Friends Association" button for details of the benefits of being a member. The association has over 1500 members. Alternatively, contact the Show Office on 01258 860361 and we would be delighted to send you some information. You can also book membership on line via our website.

2008 show DVD

The essential guide to the 40th Great Dorset Steam Fair - good weather and a mind boggling array of exhibits helped to create perfect filming conditions for Jonathon Eckardt and his team of professional camera & sound people. He has produced a DVD with specially extended coverage to celebrate the 40th Anniversary Show to include several films on one DVD - which you can select from a menu list at the beginning of the DVD. If you would like to order a copy at £24.95 (Friends Assocation Members £22.95) inc p & p please contact the Show Office. Alternatively order on-line via our website.

Pay on Arrival Campsite (STRICTLY TENTS ONLY)

For the third year we will be able to offer a facility for people to turn up and pay for camping space with tents. Please note this is on stubble and is located at the far end of the showground. This is a short stay camping area only, available from Wednesday 1st September. A reminder, this is for tents only.

Overnight Parking

For the third year we will again be able to offer an overnight parking facility in our car parks. (A £15.00 charge will apply for overnight parking). Caravans are prohibited from entering our car parks.

Changes to our Campsite Regulations

We are pleased to confirm that all Landrovers and also caravans up to 24ft in length (excluding towbar) will now be able to access our pre booked campsites.

No other commercial vehicles will be able to access our camping areas, please see the "Campsite Rules and Regulations" under the "Booking" button for the vehicles that are prohibited.

Volunteers

Due to the ever increasing health and safety requirements we are looking for volunteers who would like to help as safety marshals at various positions around the showground. If you would be interested in helping as a volunteer then we would really like to hear from you. Benefits will be available and these will be discussed on an indiviudal basis depending on number of hours etc.

For more information please contact Julian Hubbuck, Operations Manager at the show office or e-mail julian.hubbuck@gdsf.co.uk

The Wurzels

We are pleased to confirm that back by popular demand at this year's show are The Wurzels. They will be appearing on stage in the new Outdoor Concert Area on Thursday 2nd September. yer's Great Dorset team Fair.

AND FINALLY!!

Preparations for the 2010 show are well underway. The Show Office is extremely busy with enquiries ranging from “Can I exhibit my tractor?” to “Which is your nearest airport?”. We’ve had lots of people already wanting to visit, camp, exhibit and trade again this year so we will be working very hard to put on another great show.

See you at the 2010 Great Dorset Steam Fair! More news items will be displayed as the weeks progress.

The Great Dorset Steam Fair News