Tractors took over the trails and lanes as a record 74 vehicles of all shapes, sizes and ages completed the 40-mile journey through the north Cotswolds on the annual Bluebell Run in aid of Cancer Research UK on Sunday (May 13).
Organised by the North Cotswold Tractor Club and Moreton Show, the Bluebell Run set off in glorious sunshine from the home of Kim Bailey Racing at Thorndale Farm in Andoversford. The convoy then wound its way through the villages of Withington and Compton Abdale before a lunch stop at the Chedworth Farm Shop at Denfurlong Farm and a return to the start via Yanworth. The sedate parade, travelling at less than 15mph gave supporters plenty of time to cheer the tractors through the villages en-route.
The prize for the best tractor on show went to John Wilson, a retired engineer from Cheltenham, who took part in his beautifully restored 1969 David Brown 880. This year’s Bluebell Run also featured a 1962 Massey-Ferguson 35X alongside the very latest in tractor technology in the Case iH75 CVX with its 2018 plate.
Steve Parkes, Moreton Show chairman said: ‘It was a fabulous turnout again this year and a wonderful spectacle. People loved to see these tractors coming through the lanes. I’m also pleased that motorists and cyclists were very understanding because the aim, as always, was to raise a lot of money for Cancer Research UK.’
It is expected that this year’s Bluebell Run will raise £1500 for Cancer Research UK.
Vintage tractors will be joined by children’s favourite, Tractor Ted at Moreton Show on Saturday, September 1. All the details are at www.moretonshow.co.uk
