Networking event for Women in Business

The venue was the yard and business premises of Searle Plant Hire in Horsham, a business established over 100 years ago.

The hosts, Dee and Les Searle, are steam engine aficionados – they even met through their shared love and family involvement in the steam world.

Members were invited for one evening to share their hosts’ passion and enthusiasm for steam engines and vintage vehicles.

On arrival, the tantalising smell of hot coal was the first indication of what was to come. Then, the majestic sight of three steam vehicles including a pillar-box red steam bus greeted us.

The engines were in show condition with brass polished and paintwork perfect, the result of much dedicated hard work.

A group of volunteers, members of the Sussex Steam Club, were on hand to talk us through the various engines’ function and history. Generous platters of canapés and an open bar oiled the already convivial evening.

Les Searle gave a very interesting account of the history of the business, before moving into some hilarious tales of derring-do involving steam engines, road trips and general craziness.

In 2011, one adventure involved a group driving a massive steam lorry and trailer bearing a 100 ton weight on the London to Brighton Commercial Run. This was an enormous achievement in every sense, requiring detailed planning by Dee Searle and great teamwork on the day.

And as a bonus, over £7,000 was raised for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Les also revealed that Dee, with co-driver, Della Fagg, had recorded a fantastic achievement of driving a steam engine 450 miles.

The sheer physical effort, co-ordination and concentration involved were phenomenal, so much so that the official steam traction body recognised their efforts with a special award and trophy. Dee and Della are obviously held in huge respect within the steam world.

Talk over, we were invited to explore the vehicles including steam lorries, steam farm machinery, showman’s wagons plus some stunning cars with a beautiful vintage Rolls Royce, a Ferrari and a Morgan on show. Smaller steam engines were also displayed, dwarfed by their gargantuan stable mates.

We were promised surprises and these came in the shape of tours aboard two vehicles. Dee drove her own engine with trailer for passengers, on a short tour of the local roads. Others climbed aboard the wonderful steam bus and took in the local sights.

The bus had even been driven through London, posing for a picture outside Buckingham Palace! Tours over, we then enjoyed a hearty barbeque and salads and more drinks.

With many partners and friends joining us, it was a very jolly social occasion for all who came along. The incredible generosity of our hosts providing the food and refreshments, the talk and the wonderful opportunity to see and experience steam at first hand was much appreciated by all.

And as always, the evening was ably organised by Alice Chambers of Horsham WIB.

Probably one of the most memorable networking events ever!