TRADITIONAL industries of wood and steam came together at the original sawmill and workshop of the Blenheim Palace estate, Combe Mill.

One of the star attractions was the working half-scale model of an Allchin Royal Chester traction engine, brought by steam enthusiasts Roger and Heather Page.

Mrs Page, 65, said they bought the steam engine 10 years ago.

She said: “It was made in 1990. We originally had a full-size engine for about 20 years but we sold that on.

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“When we heard that this engine was up for sale we thought it was just about the right size.”

The Didcot couple travel around the country to steam events, including the Long Hanborough event yesterday.

Mrs Page, a retired environmental analyst, said: “We usually go further afield, but we do go to some local events.

“It was very good. There were plenty of people.”


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