The Beaulieu Oak Run Fun.
The morning mist still clings to the ancient oaks of the New Forest, but the air is already alive with a symphony from a bygone era. You hear the deep chug of steam, the sharp pop of a vintage motorcycle, and the purr of perfectly tuned engines. This is The Beaulieu Oak Run. It is the annual charity navigational rally hosted by the local Rotary Club Southampton Magna. Within minutes you are instantly turning back time with the sights and sounds of the vintage years of the 1900's. Steam engines, One cylinder engines, tricycles, and motorcycles. The event turns the peaceful roads of Hampshire into a living, breathing museum of transport history.
At the heart of the event is the Beaulieu Estate. Lord Montagu opened the gates of his ancestral home to host this spectacular gathering. The partnership between the Rotary Club and the Montagu family creates the perfect setting for the Oak Run.
Rotary Club Southampton Magna Fundraising
This year, the Rotary Club Southampton Magna successfully raised funds for the Friends of the New Forest Airfields. The initiative underscores the club's dedication to aiding local organizations and preserving the New Forest area's heritage, along with the connection of Lady Montagu as the patron of the charity.
A Journey Through Time
The Beaulieu Oak Run is not a race about speed. It is a 27-mile navigational challenge that tests the skill of drivers and the endurance of their machines. The route takes them through the most beautiful parts of the New Forest. Drivers must navigate narrow lanes, avoid free-roaming ponies, and follow precise instructions to reach the finish line.
The variety of vehicles on the entry list is amazing. The oldest vehicles lead the pack, puffing clouds of white smoke into the sky. Their brass fittings gleam in the morning sun. Next come the three-wheeled tricycles from the late 1800s. These machines require the rider to pedal hard to help the tiny engines climb the forest hills.
Following the tricycles are vintage motorcycles. You can see classic Brands such as De Dion-Bouton, Humberette, Norton, and BSA. Many of the participants wore period-correct jackets and flat caps. All in the name of charity.
Navigating the Forest Trails
The 37-mile route is carefully planned by Southampton Magna Rotary Club. It balances scenic views with driving challenges. Drivers receive a detailed logbook at the start line, and navigators have the important job of keeping the vehicle on the correct path.
The route leaves the Beaulieu Estate and heads toward the open heathlands. The roads here are wide, allowing the older vehicles to find a steady rhythm. The sight of a steam vehicle moving alongside a modern electric car shows a beautiful contrast between past and present technology.
Community Spirit and Charity
The Beaulieu Oak Run is a major fundraising event. The Rotary Club uses the rally to raise vital funds for local charities; this year it raised its funds for Friends Of The New Forest Airfields. Every entry fee and donation collected along the route goes directly to the good cause.
Volunteers make the event possible. The Rotary Club members and local volunteers manage the checkpoints. They direct traffic, hand out route guides, and collect donations. Their bright high-visibility jackets stand out against the scenic route.
The local community supports the event enthusiastically. Every village along the 27-mile route turns out to watch. Children wave to drivers and riders by creating a loving community theme.
The Grand Finish at Beaulieu
After the careful driving, the vehicles return to the Beaulieu Estate. The finish line sits on the driveway directly in front of Beaulieu House. Lord Montagu stands at the finish line to welcome the drivers, riders and passengers back. He shakes hands with the participants and thanks them for supporting the event.
The front of Beaulieu's historical house starts to fill with the vehicles and onlooking spectators, creating a display of motoring history. The smell of hot oil, steam, and petrol fills the air. Drivers park their vehicles, open the bonnets, and chat with the gathering crowds. It is a chance for people to see these historic machines up close.
The afternoon concludes with light nibbles with Lord and lady Montagu hosting in it's private garden. After lunch the traditional Oak Tree award ceremony begins but this year came with a twist: due to the harsh dry summer we have had, Lord Montagu was prepared with a makeshift planting of a handpicked Oak Tree to combat the carbon footprint of the future and, of course, to commemorate the run taking place.
Preserving Our Transport History
The success of the Oak Run shows the lasting appeal of vintage vehicles. These machines are more than old iron and brass. They represent human ingenuity and engineering history. Events like this keep that history alive for younger generations to
see.
The Rotary Club, the Beaulieu Estate, and the classic vehicle community work hard to make this event happen. The annual run brings people together for a great cause while celebrating our shared transport heritage.
As the sun sets over the Beaulieu River, the engines are switched off. The steam vehicles cool down slowly, and the crowds begin to head home. The quiet return of the forest marks the end of another successful rally. The memories of the sights, sounds, and community spirit will linger until the engines start up again for next year's run.
Task Overview
The aim of an event photographer is to capture a diverse range of images for the Rotary Club and participants, ensuring that both the organization and attendees have lasting memories from the event.
The coverage task was quite enjoyable—joining a convoy of vehicles navigating the New Forest amidst the historical machines was truly delightful! Being invited to participate, capturing it all with my camera, and sharing the story afterward is the reason I started my business. Many thanks to the Southampton Magna Rotary Club, Oak Run Participants, and Lord & Lady Montagu.
The Grand Total
With the dust and fumes settled I caught up with James via email to check how much was raised from this years Oak Run... drumroll... £1300 will be donated to the team at Friends Of The New Forest Airfields a fantastic amount for a lovely charity.
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