MORE than 1,000 vintage exhibits will be on display at a vehicle rally near Shrewsbury.

The County of Salop Steam Engine and Vintage Vehicle Society rally will be held at at Onslow Park on Sunday, August 28, and Monday 29.

Visitors to the show will also be able to enjoy a special commentary at the steam engine mini-arena.

Professional sound enthusiast David Mitchell returns to the rally in August with his classic VW Standard T2 van – with its own public address system.

David started his PA business in 1946, when his public address manager Lesley Howell attended two major events in the social calendar, namely the West Mid Show and Shrewsbury Flower Show.

The sound guru himself came to the first rally in 1961 with a Thames van and is delighted to be returning this year.

This is the 50th anniversary of the County of Salop Steam Engine Society and Roger Mills will provide commentary on the engines via the unique PA system.
Society chairman John Onions said: “We will be working hard to ensure the 50th anniversary is celebrated in some style.

“We are delighted to be able to enjoy David Mitchell’s superb sound system and its vehicle which is returning after many years.

“We aim to have 100 highly attractive steam engines including some that attended our first rallies.

“They will be appearing at the rally with more than 1,000 other vintage exhibits.
“We enjoy superb support from steam preservation enthusiasts and, of course, our own members, so this year’s rally will be a fantastic showcase.”

David contacted society archivist Michael Llewellyn following a request for information about the history of the society over the last 50 years.

Mr Llewellyn said: “I would like to thank everyone for their help in supplying valuable information and photographs.

“As a result we are having an archive history marquee at this year’s rally where visitors can view video presentations and more than 2,000 photographs from yesteryear.”.

David bought his current vehicle in 1972 and fitted a high-tech public address system to commentate on events in Shropshire as part of his family business, A R Mitchell (Shrewsbury) Limited.