Couple to take on steamroller fundraising journey

A local couple will drive a miniature steam traction roller from Melksham to the Wiltshire Steam and Vintage Rally this month to raise funds for charity.

Dave and Anne Rossiter will cover around eight miles on 12th June, expected to take up to six hours, travelling from their home in Melksham Forest to the showground at Park Farm in Rowde.

The journey, which would usually take around 15 minutes by car, is in aid of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity.

“We will be driving three to four miles in an hour,” said Dave. “We will have to take lots of stops to fill up with water and stretch our legs.

“We won’t take up much more room than a wobbly pushbike and we are on the road so people will be able to get past us and hopefully they will be courteous to us.”

Dave built the steamroller from scratch around five years ago after a long-held ambition. He said, “It got to the point where I could eventually afford it, so I did.”

The couple regularly attend the Wiltshire Steam and Vintage Rally, which showcases farming and machinery from years gone by.

At the event, Dave and Anne also offer rides on the miniature steam traction roller to raise funds for the air ambulance charity, which their son has needed twice.

Dave said, “He had to use it once when he was playing rugby and another time when he was involved in a collision while riding his motorcycle. It is a charity that everybody needs to get behind. By raising money, it helps bring awareness to the work of the charity.”

To donate, visit their fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/dave-and-annes-road-run