A Tradition of Heritage and Honour

Held in the picturesque Derbyshire countryside, the Cromford Steam Rally is one of the premier heritage events in the region. Bringing together historic traction engines, classic motorcycles, vintage tractors, and fairground organs, the rally celebrates fine British engineering and community spirit—making it a natural home for the RBLR.

Standing Proud for the Poppy Appeal

As always, our main daytime objective was clear: raising vital funds for the Poppy Appeal and spreading awareness about the work the Riders Branch does across the country.

Throughout the event, our gazebo served as a bustling hub for visitors. Whether it was curious passers-by stopping to admire the bikes, old friends dropping in for a brew and a chat, or members of the public eager to support our Armed Forces community, the generosity on display was humbling. Raising funds and engaging with the public remains at the very heart of what we do, and the Cromford crowd certainly did us proud.

Work Hard, Party Harder

While collecting for the Poppy Appeal is a core part of our identity, being a member of the Riders Branch is about camaraderie, friendship, and knowing how to let your hair down. The 2026 Cromford Steam Rally provided the perfect proof that when the daytime duties end, the fun is only just getting started.

As the sun dipped and the steam engines settled into their evening quiet, the 13 members swapped their collection tins for their party hats. And boy, did they party!

From sharing tall tales of the road to enjoying the evening entertainment and raising a glass (or several) together, the evening was a masterclass in RBLR fellowship. It served as a grand reminder of why our branch is so special: we stand together in support of a vital cause, but we sure know how to celebrate the journey along the way.