This magnificent showman's engine, a Burrell compound cylinder boasting 8 nominal horsepower, once belonged to the esteemed Strickland family. In a time when gaslight and lanterns prevailed, this engine, adorned with vibrant paintwork and coupled with electricity generating sets, brought brilliant illumination to fairs and carnivals.
Purchased new by Henry Strickland and Sons in March 1907, it initially served the vital role of hauling and powering their traveling Bioscope Show, offering moving pictures to eager audiences. Later on, this versatile engine found a new purpose, providing the driving force for their captivating steam-powered galloping horses, a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Harry Strickland's grandson, Ray Strickland, came from Bromyard to see Bill Gwilliam following a article Bill wrote in Worcester Evening News.
'Grandfather had a full set of fairground items; Gallopers, Juvenile roundabouts, a set of swing boats, 2.2 rifle shooting gallery, and two coconut stalls. Alf Peter's and Tom Scott had 'fair set's 'too. Peter's gallopers were of high quality and more decorative; Strickland more 'functional'.
They attended all the major fairs, i.e. Worcester, Tewkesbury, Birmingham Onion Fair, Nottingham Goose Fair, Stratford Mop, Oxford Fair, and also minor fairs. Strickland and Scott had a gentleman's agreement, on minor/villages, each had their round, and neither trespassed on the other. Strickland's winter base was under the railway arches in Croft Road, (now the car park next to Pitchcroft). Pat Collins was the bigger man with much greater outfits. His base was at Bloxwich, near Walsall.
A famous showman's traction engine 'The Pride of Worcester' which was owned by Harry Strickland's Fair