Victoria's Torton Tales is set to attend its first charity steam rally in two years
2 years ago
The team behind Victoria's Torton Tales, the series of children’s storybooks about a 'Victoria' the traction engine, is pleased to confirm it is attending its first charity steam rally in two years, due to the pandemic. And the real 'Victoria' the traction engine will be coming along too!
Taking place on the weekend of the 4th and 5th of September 2021, Victoria's Torton Tales will be helping raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support by attending the small charity Steam and Vintage Rally at Balls Cross, West Sussex. The last charity event and steam rally Victoria was able to attend was this gathering of vintage machinery and vehicles in September 2019, making this an even more welcome return.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to change their living and working conditions, the team at Victoria's Torton Tales frequently attended events with Victoria. The real-life engine helps to put smiles on the faces of children, parents and grandparents alike, bringing much enjoyment to fans of the beloved storybook series. From attending local school fundraising events and steam rallies to carrying out visits to local museums, Victoria is also at the forefront when it comes to promoting the UK's steam heritage.
"Victoria and I are so excited to be at the Balls Cross steam rally in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support," said Wendy Wakelin, author of the children’s storybook series. She added: "We can't wait to welcome children, parents, and grandparents!"
Victoria's Torton Tales proudly invites everyone to come along and meet Victoria at this lovely steam rally. The latest book in the Victoria's Torton Tales series, 'Victoria Meets Finnigan', is also available to buy now in large format with beautiful illustrations. It tells the story of Victoria meeting a new friend who comes to help out on the farm.
All the storybooks are available direct from the Victoria's Torton Tales website www.victoriastortontales.uk, and through all good booksellers.
The books in the series are:
Victoria's Busy Day
The first story in the series Victoria's Torton Tales about Victoria the steam traction engine and her friends. Victoria likes nothing more than spending a busy day working with her owner, Mr Seward, and friend Albert, bringing the sacks of corn in from the fields. Today there's a surprise when she discovers something in the barn at Mr Andrews' farm.
Pop Comes to Sewards' Yard
The second story in the series Victoria's Torton Tales. It had been quite some time since poor old Pop was last in steam and helping Mr Andrews on his farm. When Pop was found by Victoria and Mr Seward they said they would help him, but that was weeks ago! Pop longed to be out in the sunshine instead of being stuck in a cold, damp and dusty barn with junk piled up around him.
Roser and Tanner Steam Roller Friends
The third story in the series Victoria's Torton Tales. It's an early start for best friends, Roser and Tanner, the steam rollers. As usual, Tanner wants to get going, and Roser is happy to be out and about with his friend. On this trip, Tanner is given the chance to try something new, that normally only Roser does. Will she do it?
Victoria and the Teddy Bear
The fourth story in the series Victoria's Torton Tales. It's only a few days until the Teddy Bears' Picnic Party, and Victoria is very excited to be going. She would really like to take a teddy bear of her own to the picnic, but Mr Seward doesn't have one for her, so asks Mrs Seward if she can help.
Victoria Meets Finnigan
The fifth story in the series Victoria’s Torton Tales. Victoria and Pop always enjoy sunny days and the peace and quiet of the countryside at Mr Seward’s yard. Today they hear a strange noise coming up the road. It sounds like a very loud purring cat! What could it be?
Background about the real Victoria the traction engine
The real Victoria the traction engine was bought new in 1886 by Wendy's husband's great, great grandfather, Mr Walter Seward, and left the family around 1970 when Lloyd's (Wendy's husband) great grandfather passed away. Wendy and Lloyd bought Victoria back into the family in 2002, and spend many happy hours enjoying Victoria with family, friends and fans throughout the year. Victoria is the oldest existing traction engine built by the company Marshall Sons and Co, from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England.
We have more details about Walter Seward's business based in the market town of Petersfield, Hampshire, England, on a website dedicated to it https://www.sewards-of-petersfield.co.uk/
