Great Dorset Steam Fair - First Time Visitor Report

Many months ago, I asked MMD readers a number of questions that would
help me plan a visit and help with logistics for my planned first time
visit to the Great Dorset Steam Fair (GDSF) in Dorset, England.
Although I had done independent research, talked to others over the
years, and seen Tim Trager's excellent video presentation, a number
of questions still needed answers.

About five MMD readers graciously sent me information, and in email
exchanges, provided more details that allowed planning to move forward.
I not only want to thank those who assisted, but advise that their
information was not only accurate but extremely helpful.  Following
is a brief summary of my 'exceeding expectations' experience.

For those who don't know, the GDSF is an annual, world's largest
exhibition of steam powered haulage, farm equipment, and fairground
organs.  Many other vintage related steam-powered and other equipment
is also on display.  Additionally, the Fair has the usual carnival
midway and games of chance (most with a vintage atmosphere), schlocky
merchandise for sale, and foods for every palate.  Although my major
interest was the organs, I found many of the other working exhibitions
enjoyable.

After arriving into Gatwick airport, an easy two-hour, one connection
train ride takes one to the area of the fair.  I booked accommodations
four months ago (that's late by Fair standards) so I was relegated
to the town of Shaftesbury, a charming hamlet about 15 miles away.
A combination of local municipal buses, shuttle buses, taxis, walking,
and creativity provide transportation to the fair site.  Camping is
available at the site, as are limited car rentals.  Once I figured out
the protocols, I found it relatively easy to get to and from the fair,
although somewhat time-restrained by the quirks of the available
transportation.

The weather was superb, with clear, sunny days throughout.  Although
immense, somewhat unwieldy, and surrounded by car-parks and camping
fields, the fair seems to be well-organized and managed making a
visitor feel comfortable.  I spent most of my time enjoying the organs
which are scattered throughout the entire fair, though more concentrated
in certain areas, one known as "organ alley."

The organs are a mixture of early 1900's vintage along with more
contemporary organs built in the last 20 years.  Several of the larger,
elaborate organs feature stage shows which may include dancing,
singing, performing buskers such as magicians, and other entertainers,
most, but not all, accompanying the organs.  These shows and the stage
settings invoke early 1900's vaudeville, and several are exceptionally
well done.

This fair featured 80 organs ranging from large concert organs to small
money organs.  I concentrated my listening time mostly on the larger
organs, about 80 keys or greater, of which there were about thirty.
My particular favorites were the two contemporary Verbeeck 115- and
118-key Centenary and Victory organs.  These are absolutely awesome
concert instruments with more than 1000 pipes that were perfectly tuned
and provided unending amounts of listening enjoyment.

Among the other organs I thoroughly enjoyed were a 110-key Gavioli,
110-key Marenghi "The Rose", 101-key Mortier, 98-key Gavioli, and
98-key Marenghi.

Most of the organs played continuously, with the operators using their
full compliment of music, so the listening offered quite a variety.
While a few of the organs were also MIDI-equipped, all were playing
using original key frames.  CDs of many of the organs were available
from the operators.

I definitely expect to be a repeat visitor in future years.  For
a mechanical organ addict, this offers an extraordinary experience
that can not be matched by anything I've seen in the States.

Glenn Thomas
Princeton, New Jersey