'Why I bought steam fair founder's steam roller'

"I've always had a bit of a thing for steam engines," said Clive Smith, who has just become the proud owner of his first steam roller at the age of 61.

Despite never having driven one, Smith, from Child Okeford in Dorset, forked out £56,000 for the machine previously owned by the late Great Dorset Steam Fair founder Michael Oliver.

More than 1,000 lots of steam fair memorabilia, machinery and supplies were sold in an auction at Lilac Farm in Bridport, marking the end of an era.

The fair attracted steam engine owners and enthusiasts from across the UK and ran for more than 50 years at a site near Blandford.

It was last held in 2022, with organisers announcing in 2025 that it was no longer financially viable.

Smith said he bought the steam roller as an investment and because he was determined it should remain in Dorset.

Saturday's auction included signs, vintage tractors and trailers, along with the steam engine and the fair's musical organ.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent's Dorset Breakfast show, Smith said: "I've done the Great Dorset Steam Fair for many years and the legendary Michael Oliver, who was the founder, was a very good friend of me and my father.

"I just didn't want [his steam engine] to go out of Dorset... so I decided to buy it."

Smith, who has been going to the steam fair since he was a child, said he remembered seeing Oliver's roller years before it was restored.

He said: "We knew the steam roller was there and it was always parked alongside of his shed with a big tree growing through it for many years."

Smith says the machine was eventually taken to Shaftesbury where it underwent a five-year restoration, which was completed in 2010.

Smith says the steam roller would be looked after by a friend who would take it to shows.

He said: "I went down there the other night and he said 'get in it and drive it around'.

"It was the first time I've ever driven a steam engine - a bit slow for me.

"It went round and round the field so we had a bit of fun.

"It's absolutely mint - it's in lovely done-up condition.

"As a family, we are proud to own it. I bought it as an investment for another day for my boys."

Steam fair founder Michael Oliver died in 2009 and event continued under the direction of his son Martin until 2019, before the Covid pandemic.

It returned once more in 2022, but rising costs meant it was no longer viable.

Announcing the auction, organisers said: "Sadly, this is not what we or anybody wanted but the reality of the situation is that it is now four years since the last show in 2022, and with all of these items having been kept in storage offsite since then, clearly, this cannot continue indefinitely, hence the reason for the sale."