The tenth Annual East Riding YFC Charity Tractor Run took place on Sunday 4th June in glorious sunshine. A total of 109 tractors took to the roads to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance & R.A.B.I. (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution). Their efforts certainly paid off as the money raised, which includes support from Barclays Agriculture, currently stands at an overwhelming £4794 to be shared between the two charities.
This year was billed as “The Finale” as this is the last year that the Sleight family from Etton will be hosting the Tractor Run in its’ current format however the members of East Riding YFC are looking into ways they can organise the event going forward. John and Margaret Sleight, together with their daughters Jenny Jenkinson & Catherine Walton have organised the event for ten years and have decided that it is time to hand over the reins to other enthusiasts.
On Sunday morning the tractors assembled at Laburnum Farm, Etton near Beverley to set off on their 30 mile route. Tractors and drivers came from all parts of the East Riding including Driffield, Preston, Bridlington and Holme on Spalding Moor. Some travelled from further afield to take part in the prestigious award winning event.
Jenny Jenkinson, who helped to organise the event on behalf of East Riding YFC said “I love the fact that such a wide age range of people can share the same hobby. To see a 16 year old enjoy the same hobby as his grandfather is remarkable. It is amazing to see such a wide range of tractors in such a range of colours and sizes!”
Jenny showed gratitude to all who had helped with the event. “I would like to thank all the drivers, marshals, collectors and helpers for their support on the day, without them it would not be possible to hold the event.” Jenny also thanked members of the local R.A.B.I. committee who provided baking for the packed lunches enjoyed by the drivers at the end of the run. The event was also supported by John Turner & Caroline Sawyer from Barclays Agriculture who assisted at the event by marshalling, collecting and also organising a lucky ticket draw for participants which was won by Richard Levitt.
The run was led by John Sleight on his 1964 Nuffield 10/60 and as the tractors weaved their way round the country lanes they took in a number of villages and the tractors were greeted enthusiastically by people who had turned out to see them and support the charities. John said “I was really pleased that so many people turned out to support us. A lot of people really made an effort and it is always great to see so many people lining the roads in support and greeting us with a friendly wave.”
Jenny went on to say “The current total means we have now raised over £23000 in the ten years we have hosted the event – it really does make all the hard work worthwhile!” she added.
