THEY have been holding their Kingsley Steam Rally for 17 years and raised over a

million pounds for Macmillan Cancer Research, and this year Sylvia and Tony Haydon set a record for their annual rally by raising £5,000.

They had a stream of visitors over the two days coming to Kingsley Recreation Ground to see rows of steam engines, cars, commercial and military vehicles – one with a large gun on it - tractors and motorbikes.

One of the main attractions over the weekend of July 16/17 was a truly ancient steam engine, an 1890 Seward that’s still going strong, and all around there were trade and refreshment stalls.

“It was one of our best rallies,” Sylvia told The Herald. “And certainly a record amount was raised, our best ever. As always, an interesting selection of vehicles of all ages and the steam engines came in all sizes.

“There were also a lot of visitors, some who had come from as far as the West Country. I think the lovely hot weather helped to make it such a success.

“We used to raise money with our steam rallies for Bordon’s Chase Hospital but when that closed we decided to do it for Macmillan Cancer Research as we have had several family members who have suffered from cancer.

“In all we have been running them for 45 years.”

Sylvia and Tony Haydon are holding another Steam Rally at Balls Cross near Petworth over the weekend of September 2/3.