After more than 20 years I'm getting a chance to go back!  For those
of you who have never experienced it this fair is the experience of
a lifetime. I last went in 1979 while it was at Stourpaine Bushes, but
from the pictures it looks as though the current version is at least
as good.  See  http://www.steam-fair.co.uk/

The problem is 20 years ago I stumbled into it and ended up sleeping
in the parking lot, in the freezing cold, in my hired Mini because
every room for miles around was booked.  While that experience has made
for great stories, it is not something I want to repeat!

Based on online resources it seems as most everything is already booked
two months in advance.  I did find what is probably a very nice room
for 445 GBP per night.  (If I had that kind of money I'd just buy a
showman's engine!)  So a question to our readers across the pond: any
advice on finding a place to stay within say an hour's drive of
Blandford Forum on Sept 1 and 2?  Will the tourist board help with
advance bookings from overseas?

I'd also love to meet up with any of you who will also be there on
Saturday or Sunday!

Cheers!
Roger Wiegand