The Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre 18th & 19th September 2004 was the 46th Annual Rally organised by the Society, and the ninth held at Old Warden Park.

There were over 130 engines in attendance of which many had "stopped-off" on their way to the National Traction Engine Trust's 50th Anniversary Road Run, at Hollowell in Northamptonshire, the following weekend. Many of these engines were making their first trip to Old Warden and came from far and wide. From the North, Michael Walters made the trip with his 1926 Garrett Undertype wagon, which once worked only 25 miles from the site. Roy Wakefield attended with his Mann tractor, which was joined by two Mann Wagons; Pat Jenkins recently restored example and Pete and Sue Lyons 1916 wagon in Pimin & Sons colours. Making a first visit from the South West were McLaren Ploughing Engine "Hero", Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive "Star", Aveling & Porter XA3 Tractor "Bo Peep" and the last Garrett 4CD to be built, "Lesley".

Another engine that moved to the Road Run was Martin Fagg's Foster wagon, which has been rebuilt with a new body and has been repainted in a chocolate brown livery. There was again a good selection of working exhibits with steam, tractors and horses working the land. A sight to see on the Saturday afternoon was the Fowler Single Ploughing Engine "Margaret" working in the distance with the thatched cricket pavilion of Old Warden Village as a back drop and a traditional game of cricket taking place.

There were three saw benches in action including Herring Brothers large Frame Saw, three threshing sets, two steam and one tractor powered and other displays of milling, corn grinding and chaff cutting. A road making display was set up with the Society's 1920 Marsden Stone Crusher hard at work.

A larger fairground than usual had the Saunders Savage Steam Yachts taking pride of place with a line up of 10 showman's engines, with Burrell's "Ex-Mayor" No. 4000, "Princess Mary" No. 3949 and "Star" No. 3423 running the larger rides.

Working together once again was the ex. Pat Collins Fowler B6 Showman's "Valiant" and the large Marenghi Wonderland Organ, a sight only to be seen at this event. Two rare 6 NHP Showman's engines stood side by side both looking magnificent with gleaming paintwork and brass, these being Foster "Aquitania" and Garrett "British Hero"

An engine that has been under restoration for the last few years was ex Mozambique Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies Light Agricultural Locomotive, No. 36020 of 1924. This engine worked on the Sena Sugar Estates with the Fowler Z7 Ploughing engines that were returned to this country many years ago. The engine has been totally rebuilt by owner John. J. Forshaw over the last few years.

Two partially restored engines were on show, both having been subject to boiler work.

These were Ruston & Hornsby roller No 158623 of 1930 and Aveling & Porter "Silver Streak' No. 8753, flirther on from when it appeared at the Strumpshaw rally in May. These created much interest with the public and exhibitors alike.

The photographic area with the Shuttleworth Mansion behind is always well received and a variety of exhibits passed through it over the weekend from steam to a display by the Land Rover Series 2 Club on the Sunday morning where 11 different vehicles were lined up showing the variations available.

There were many interesting exhibits on show from working craft displays to a display by the Historic Caravan Club. A good selection of over 300 vintage vehicles and tractors were exhibited and a large assortment of over 60 miniature steamers.

A Saturday night Road Run to the White Horse at Broom saw over 20 engines, miniatures and vintage vehicles out on the road making the most of the sunshine after the dismal weather suffered in the afternoon. Sunday turned out to be a much better day and the crowds soon turned out.