by Terry Bearpark
A South Holderness family is hoping to double the proceeds of a charity tractor run held last Sunday.
It was the third run organised by Kathryn Townsley, her sister Helen Smith, brother-in-law Glen Smith, cousins Angela and Graham Conner and Graham’s partner Kerry.
It is held in memory of Kathryn and Helen’s father, David, who died in late 2017. He used to renovate old Grey Ferguson tractors and loved showing them off at rallies and taking part in tractor runs. He grew up at England Hill Farm, which Graham now runs.
Some 45 tractors took part, leaving England Hill Farm to the east of Withernsea and travelling about 35 miles to Roos, including a detour around the wind farm, then to Owstwick, Hilston, Tunstall, Rimswell and then the central Promenade at Withernsea for a 20-minute break.
A large crowd was waiting to welcome the convoy as they parked up on the promenade, even though the tractors were running some 30 minutes later than anticipated, and visitors were soon having a close-up look at the vehicles, ranging in size from small old tractors to modern-day large monsters.
Meanwhile, at the farm, those awaiting the tractors’ return were able to have a look at the Withernsea Lifeboat and a Humberside Fire and Rescue engine.
The run then continued to Welwick, Patrington and Winestead before returning back to England Hill Farm, where a buffet prepared by the team was ready for the tired drivers.
To continue the fundraising, an auction and a raffle then took place.
Kathryn, who drove one of her father’s Grey Ferguson tractors on the run, said: “It has been a great day – the weather has been really kind to us and everyone has enjoyed it.
“We would like to thank our many friends and all of the local businesses who helped us on the day – without them we could not have done it. My dad would have loved it.”
At the moment the amount raised for Marie Curie is over £3,100, with more coming in via the JustGiving donation page.
Another charity tractor run is already being planned for next year.
