Full steam ahead despite weather at Abbeydale

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet was a hive of activity this weekend as over 1000 visitors including families and steam enthusiasts joined in the fun at the annual ‘Steam Gathering' event.

The two day steam extravaganza marked the end of the 2010 season of events and featured a collection of steam powered machines including steam rollers, traction engines, and road locomotives.

The hamlet was brought to life with the sights, sounds and smells of working steam engines and hundreds of families viewed the mighty steam powered machines and asked the owners and drivers all about them. Miniature steam engine The Kelham Island Flyer, which is usually housed at Kelham Island Museum, was also in steam and entertaining the crowds.

Abbeydale's colourful living history characters entertained the crowds and spoke about Sheffield's nautical links, explaining that whaling was important in steel making industries, and how whale oil was used as lubrication.

Ridgeway Forge also demonstrated a range of time-honoured steel-making skills and Sheffield Antiques sold vintage items reminiscent of the era.

What a great way to end the 2010 season!