IT WAS full steam ahead at Hollycombe, when it staged its popular annual Fairground and Vintage Organ weekend.

Hundreds of visitors enjoyed more than 36 organs, juvenile fairground rides, showman’s caravans, fairground engines and fairground models.

“There was a wonderful atmosphere over the weekend”, Hollycombe trustee Brian Gooding told The Herald.

“Visitors really got into the spirit of the event and we had some good feedback – not only from visitors but from exhibitors too.

“It’s always special to hear the sound of organ music drifting across the fairground to the woodland picnic areas, which were in high demand!’’

James Dundon from Cornwall showcased “Het Blauwtje” (The Little Blue One) which entertained passers by on the streets of Holland in the 1920s.

In the 1930s, as fashions and tastes changed, the instrument was rebuilt to the scale which it plays on today. 

Its distinctive Marenghi carvings were retained and last redecorated in the 1980’s, hence the colourful scheme.

In 2015, the instrument was restored by DR Burville Organ Builders of Kent, with the addition of a bass trombone.

Stuart Maggs brought his 1917 Garrett Showman’s Engine “Katrina” which was positioned at Hollycombe’s Bioscope, where the earliest black and white show reels entertained audiences.

Meanwhile Doreen and Dennis Deane and Calvin Battersby secured a great pitch next to the Big Wheel.

Doreen, from the British Organ Grinders Association, has been coming to Hollycombe for the last eight years.

Another Hollycombe regular is ex-showman Bobby Rawlings, who bought his travelling organ, which always attracts crowds, all the way from Middlesex especially for the weekend as did Andrew and Annabel Leach with their Wilhelm Bruder Sohne keyless organ.

Visitors also enjoyed Hollycombe’s fairground rides including the Razzle Dazzle dating from 1908 and the Quarry Railway.

Hollycombe Steam in the Country summer season continued over the August bank holiday weekend and then opens at weekends with more special events planned for 2016.

For more information go to www.hollycombe.co.uk or call (01428) 724900.