Farming tractors, old and new will make their way through the north Cotswolds on Sunday, May 13 for the annual Bluebell Run, in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Its expected that up to 70 tractors will take part in the event, organised by Moreton Show in conjunction with the North Cotswold Tractor Club. The 40 mile route starts at the home of Kim Bailey Racing at Thorndale Farm in Andoversford before winding its way through country lanes, fords, farms and estates via the villages of Withington, Upper Coberley, Colesbourne, Compton Abdale, Calmsden, Chedworth and Yanworth.
The aim is to avoid all the main roads because the top speeds of these modern-day workhorses will never exceed 15mph. Taking part costs just £10 per tractor, payable on the day and money will be raised throughout the day for Cancer Research UK (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tractor-run-moreton-show).
Registration is at 9.30am and the tractors take to the road at 10.30am. All types, models and makes of tractor are invited to take part and participants can simply turn up on the day. Last year, the prize for the best tractor on show went to Paul Yates from Mickleton, who took part aboard his 1964 Fordson Super Major.
Richard Ward, chairman of Moreton Show’s Tractor Committee and Farm manager at The Barton Farms Ltd, said: ‘The Bluebell Run is always a great day out – for the owners and all those who turn out to see the amazing parade of tractors. Children love to see the different shapes, sizes and colours of tractors which can date back to the 1950s. The older tractors are dwarfed by the giant, modern machines.
‘Last year, there were 64 tractors on the road in the most glorious sunshine and we raised more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK. We’d like to do even better this year and I hope people will help us in the fight against this terrible disease.’
With preparations for this year’s Moreton Show well underway, the Moreton in Marsh and District Agricultural and Horse Show Society has reported a trading profit of £23,046 following the 2017 event. The Society’s Annual Report shows a 25 per cent increase in membership and a 21 per cent rise in sponsorship.
Many of the vintage tractors taking part in the Bluebell Run will line up at this year’s Moreton Show on Saturday, September 1, when they will be will be joined by children’s favourite, Tractor Ted. All the details are at www.moretonshow.co.uk
