by Michelle Horst
The annual Leven Tractor Run – hailed by organisers as the longest yet – has raised £6,200 for Prostate Cancer Research.
The event, now in its 14th year, has raised more than £60,000 for charities in the past, and with prostate cancer affecting friends and loved ones involved, the charity was chosen to raise both awareness and funds for the cause.
Organisers Paul Wildbore and Graham White said they were overwhelmed with the generosity of the public and support from a wide range of local businesses.
Paul said: “The run has grown over the years. People come out in the villages to wave as we go past. Now there are families with picnics waiting for us. We have volunteers in the villages collecting for us, too.”
Despite grey skies, the popular event drew crowds along the 38-mile route from Leven Sports Hall and finishing at Fosse Hill Jet Ski Centre. A total of 106 tractors from across Yorkshire took part, with some enthusiasts debating which of their machines to take.
John Sleight expressed only slight regret in not entering a tractor with a cab because of the weather. He joked: “It would have been drier.”
Instead, he drove his David Brown Selectamatic. He added: “It had a tree growing through it. So it’s taken a bit of work to restore. I couldn’t not bring it.”
The organisers coordinated with landowners to take large parts of the route through private land to avoid causing delays to other road users. However, temporary traffic lights in Seaton created an unplanned viewing point for motorists as the convoy of restored machines arrived at Wassand Hall.
For the second year, the hall supported the run and provided the halfway rest point. The hall opened the gardens to the public free of charge, and visitors of all ages took advantage of the stunning surroundings.
Chris Jessop took part in a 1964 Lamborghini. “It’s a little workhorse,” Chris said, and added: “It’s an obsession, but rewarding.”
Mike Arnott and Rob Horsdell were both in high spirits. The pair were proud of their vintage machines. Rob said: “It’s worth it– there’s nothing better, and it’s not hard.”
“They are easy to maintain, and the Leven run is always great,” Mike said. “We’re all friends and some come from quite far.”
Young enthusiasts did not want to be left out. “Tractor-mad” Leo brought his own tractor to join in the fun, while Miles needed a little help from his grandparents to try out the driving seats.
Chris Bell said of his 1960s Fordson Super Dextra: “It’s a labour of love. But they’re easy to find parts for.”
Cream tea was served in the gardens, and Ruby and Tallulah were also offering cupcakes to visitors. Wassand Hall donated the proceeds to the cause.
Some tractors in the run were still working on small holdings and farms.
Colin Holtby said: “I use mine for light jobs. Very economical, not like the big machines. It’s a good day out, and a great cause. I couldn’t stay away.”
The run continued through Rise and Long Riston to a celebratory finish at Fosse Hill Jet Ski Centre. Rob Wilson was presented with an award for Best Renovated Tractor, and 16-year- old Charlie Blanchard received an award as the youngest to restore a tractor.
“She’s a good workhorse,” Charlie said of his 41-year-old John Deere. He expressed amusement in his first tractor run: “It’s quite nice, and good fun.”
The organisers would like to thank Rise Estates, Sandsfield Gravel, JES Richardson, Tomlinsons, Ben Southwell, Warkup of Emmotland, Charters of Leven, Allsigns, Leven Playing Fields, Mathison Farmers, Wassand Hall, and Fosse Hill Jet Ski Centre for their support in making the run possible.
Additionally, the Leven Tractor Run would like to express their sincere gratitude to Poppy Morris and the bucket collectors, the volunteer marshals, and Trail Riders Fellowship for keeping everyone safe along the route.
“It’s wonderful. A real community thing,” Paul said of the £6,200 raised for Prostate Cancer Research. “But it’s a team effort. We couldn’t do it without them.”
