In 2006, to mark the 50th Anniversary of our Society which was formed in February 1956, the Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre was a special three-day event. The theme was “Made in Bedfordshire” and we assembled a varied selection of items relating to the county. These included a selection of cars from the Vauxhall Museum in Luton; one of the two remaining Howard steam engines made in Bedford and an Ivel Agricultural Motor made in Biggleswade by Dan Albone the English pioneer of the farm tractor.

There were also examples of Saunderson tractors as well as artefacts and displays of items that were either made locally or which were made within the county. Members of The Berkeley Enthusiasts Club, which is also celebrating its 50th Anniversary, presented a display of cars and caravans that were made in Biggleswade. There was also a Motor Rail Locomotive from the Leighton Buzzard railway. To enhance the Bedfordshire makers, the displays included a few of the Bedfordshire Contractors who used these wonderful machines in times gone past.