As part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, Lambert & Foster is supporting a grand reunion of Lambert and Horsmonden steam engines at an event that marks the 70th anniversary of the passing of Christopher Lambert and the famous Lambert Steam Auction.

The event, at the Weald of Kent Steam Rally and Country Show, is being held over the first weekend in August at Little Engeham Farm, Woodchurch, when Lambert & Foster will be hosting a ‘mock auction’ featuring many of the original engines from the 1955 sale. Lambert & Foster’s very own auctioneer, Alan Mummery, will be conducting the ‘mock auction’ on the Sunday afternoon.

In 1955, Lambert & Symes (now Lambert & Foster), sold 26 steam engines and much equipment, with around 20 of those engines now restored or in preservation.

The Grand Reunion, hosted by Bill Giles, is being organised by the Horsmonden History Research Group as part of its project to preserve the history of the Lambert family and steam engines in Horsmonden.

Chris Lambert, a founding member and, in 1951, President of the Road Locomotive Society, was one of the first pioneers and an important player in the restoration and preservation of steam traction engines.  His hosting steam ups and runs around Horsmonden with invited guests as early as 1951 were the forerunners of the steam rallies of today.

Chris and his father William Lambert owned, or had pass through their business, over 200 engines and today 53 of those engines have been restored or are in preservation.