Several groups drove tractors to raise money for good causes
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Separate groups of British farmers put their tractors to use to raise money for community causes.
In Wothorpe, operators took 150 tractors on a 20-mile (32-kilometre) journey through Burghley Estate and Royal Air Force (RAF) station Wittering over the weekend.
The inaugural event raised £5,000 (US$6,472, CAD$8,695) that will be divided between the Royal Agricultural Benefit Institution, which helps farmers with financial challenges, and the Evergreen Care Trust, which helps promote healthy aging and attitudes towards older people.
Colin Holwell, who organized the drive, chose the charities because they are “very worthwhile,” he told the Rutland and Stamford Mercury.
The event went smoothly.
“It went very well,” Holwell said. “The route was fantastic and all the tractors assembled in front of the control tower at RAF Wittering for a photograph while they were on their way around. There were also a lot of people about on the route showing their support.”
Another charity tractor drive raised money to honour the memory of a young farmer.
Members of the Hamsterley Vintage Tractor Club organized a tractor run on Good Friday to remember Robert Thompson, a 21-year-old farmer who passed away last year.
A parade of 159 tractors, which included members of Thompson’s family travelled to nearby villages and raised more than £1,600 (US$2,070, CAD$2,782) for two charities.
The funds will be split between the Samaritans, which provides mental health counselling, and the If U Care Share Foundation, which provides training and support for people affected by suicide.
The community showed support for the tractor ride, said Joe Dobson, chairman of the tractor club.
“It was spot on, absolutely fantastic,” he told The Northern Echo. “The crowds and the tractors (were) a sight to see. I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to show up.”
The Northern Echo photo