This year, we are proud to celebrate an incredible ten years of support from the wonderful Castle Combe Steam Rally!
Held at the historic Motor Racing Circuit at Castle Combe in Wiltshire, the Steam Rally has been run by a passionate group of enthusiasts for 38 years and has grown into one of the region’s most popular family events. Visitors can explore an impressive array of vintage and classic exhibits, from cars and motorbikes to tractors, commercial and military vehicles, steam engines – both full-sized and miniature – as well as stationary engines and majestic Shire horses.
The rally also features craft and trade stalls alongside entertainment for all ages, making it a fun-filled day out for the whole family on a site steeped in history, originally an RAF airfield. Every penny raised at the event goes directly to supporting Jessie May, helping provide life-changing care to children and families across the region.
This generosity was celebrated on Saturday 18th October 2025, during the Castle Combe Steam Rally’s annual dinner, when our Individual Giving Manager, Kath, and Trusts and Statutory Funding Manager, Kayleigh, joined the rally team and supporters to mark another remarkable year of fundraising and receive a very generous £10,200 donation for Jessie May.
In 2025 alone, the Castle Combe Steam Rally raised £11,804.37 – bringing their total donation to nearly £70,000 over the past decade!! This incredible support has made a real difference to the children and families cared for by Jessie May.
The rally’s organising team chose Jessie May as their charity partner because they wanted to work with a charity that made a real difference to children and families. They also wanted to build a good relationship with a charity that truly appreciates their efforts, which Jessie May really does.
“As an event, we were first introduced to Jessie May through a mutual friend, and after a presentation from their fundraising team, the rest is history!” Eddy, one of the Directors of Castle Combe Steam Rally shares. “What really stood out to us was the way Jessie May supports not just the children, but whole families, for as long as they need, entirely funded by donations – it’s very different from any other support we’ve seen.“
“We were also incredibly impressed by the support Jessie May gave to our event. From helping with press releases to assisting on site, selling programmes, and engaging with visitors, their involvement made a real difference to our fundraising efforts.”
“Having met some of the families that Jessie May supports, it’s clear just how vital their work is – I honestly don’t know how these families would cope without them by their side.”
The Castle Combe Steam Rally isn’t just about steam engines and vintage vehicles, it’s a community with a mission. What makes the Castle Combe Steam Rally especially remarkable is that it’s entirely run by volunteers. Every programme, display, and tractor ride is organised by people who give up their time simply because they care. Many of the rally’s long-time organisers have been involved for decades – some even passing their roles down through generations. From hand-writing programmes to composing poems.
““It really is about the community,” Kath added. “The rally attracts such a wide range of people – from little ones to older visitors, families, and friends. It’s a weekend where everyone just enjoys being together, and you can feel that warmth throughout the event. Even at the dinner, there were pages of thank yous which just shows the power of community and how much it means to so many people. It’s amazing to be part of that and to receive such amazing support from all of these wonderful people.”
“It really is such a wholesome event,” added Kayleigh, our Trusts and Grants Manager. “The organisers are so thoughtful – they’re always asking how they can make it easier for Jessie May families to attend and enjoy the day. They genuinely care, and it shows in everything they do.”
Phil Neville, the arena coordinator and commentator for the Castle Combe Steam and Vintage Show gave a very heartwarming speech at the annual dinner, which was a memorable part of Kath and Kayleigh’s evening. Phil said,
“It takes very special people to do what Jessie May do, day in and day out. We have with us tonight two of the wonderful Jessie May team and we warmly welcome you.”
His warmth and sincerity captured the spirit of the evening, and it’s no surprise that this incredible support has continued for over 10 years – with hopes for many more to come.
Phil concluded with a powerful reflection, “For me this show represents the combined effort of truly great people, the work ethic which needs an element of real dedication. You represent the very best of British, so keep on doing what you do so well.”
As the Castle Combe Steam Rally celebrates its 10th anniversary of supporting Jessie May, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved – the organisers, volunteers, visitors, and donors who make this partnership so special. Your commitment and generosity have helped us reach families who need us most.
