by Rebecca Hannant
The annual England Hill Tractor Run will return later this month.
In recent years a group of fundraisers have raised money for Marie Curie by hosting their own tractor run which sees tractors from near and far travel around the Withernsea area.
The third annual run, which will take place on Sunday, April 30, has become a popular attraction, and more and more tractors and spectators take part every year.
The first tractor run took place in 2018 after the death of David Townsley, father of organisers Kathryn and Helen. David used to renovate old Grey Ferguson tractors and loved showing them off at vintage tractor rallies and taking them on road runs. He grew up at England Hill Farm, which is now farmed by his cousin Graham Conner.
Kathryn said: “Marie Curie helped look after David in his latter months and, as a family, we wanted to give something back to them, and to other families who find themselves in need of hands-on nursing care and emotional support when dealing with a terminal illness.”
The previous two events saw just over £5,000 handed over to Marie Curie and attracted almost 40 tractors each time.
This year the route will follow the same tradition and will raise donations and awareness for Marie Curie.
The route will see the tractors leave England Hill Farm at 10.30am for a trip of about 30 miles to Halsham, then Roos, Owstwick, Hilston, Roos, Tunstall and Withernsea – where the tractors will stop for a 20-minute period opposite the Pier Towers.
The tractors will then travel to Holmpton, Welwick, Patrington, Winestead, South Frodingham and back to England Hill via the old railway line.
Kathryn added: “We’re anticipating a higher number of tractors joining us this year, as we’ve already had more entries than we have had at this stage. Signs will be put up in the next week with the anticipated times at the various villages.”
Outside the run, spectators will be welcome to visit the farm to see off the tractors, or to welcome them back. People will also be able to watch and wave at the tractors en route. There will also be the opportunity to visit a fire engine and the Withernsea lifeboat.
Kathryn added: “We’re delighted that members of the fire service and the RNLI are going to be coming to promote awareness of their services and handy hints and tips to avoid you seeing them in a professional capacity.”
Local tractor dealers will also be bringing some of their very modern tractors – ones that are likely too fast for the road run, so there will be a chance for people to view those too. Entries for the tractor run can be taken on the day – the cost is a minimum donation of £15, which includes lunch. Tractors of all ages and sizes are welcome.
The farm will be offering lunches for £5 (£2.50 for children), and there will be sausage and bacon sandwiches on sale prior to the tractors setting off. Additionally, there will be a bucket collection along the route. Once all the tractors return, there will be a raffle and auction.
To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/englandhilltractorrun-1676314882942.
