In July 2020 it will be 70 years since Arthur Napper and Miles Chetwynd-Stapylton D.F.C had a race with their traction engines, which unknown to them at the time would be a major part in forming the steam preservation movement. A celebration event will take place in Appleford on 25th July 2020. It is intended to invite every engine that attended an Appleford rally between 1950 and 1971 and have a traditional traction engine rally as they were in the early days. There will be traditional ring events, photographic opportunities, photographic displays and generally lots of steam nostalgia.
Arthur Napper was a founder member of the Thames Valley Traction Engine Club and its president for many years. The TVTEC also ran the last Appleford rally in 1971.
