A record turn-out saw 64 tractors of all shapes, sizes, colours and ages complete their 41-mile journey through the north Cotswolds on the annual Bluebell Run in aid of Cancer Research UK on Sunday (May 7).
Organised by the North Cotswold Tractor Club and Moreton Show, the Bluebell Run set off in glorious sunshine from Downs Farm on the Batsford Estate. As the weather improved and temperatures rose, the convoy passed at a sedate 12 mph through Cutsdean, Ford, Sudeley Hill, Brockhampton, Syreford and Shipton Oliffe before pausing for lunch in Hampen. From there, the tractors travelled to Hazleton, Turkdean, Cold Aston, Notgrove, Lower Harford, Upper Slaughter and Condicote before returning to Batsford.
With money still coming in, it is hoped that the Bluebell Run will raise more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Richard Ward, Chairman of Moreton Show Tractors Committee and Farm Manager at The Barton Farms Ltd, said: ‘We were absolutely delighted with the record turn-out of tractors and thrilled with the response we had from people on the way round.
‘There is no finer way to see the Cotswolds and it has been marvellous to raise money for a cause that affects so many families. It’s been great to see the vintage machines lined up alongside their modern equivalents and people have enjoyed watching the tractors make their way round this corner of the Cotsolds.’
The popularity of the Bluebell Run is reflected in the figures on social media, with thousands of viewers for the images and videos posted on the Moreton Show Facebook and Twitter pages.
The prize for the best tractor on show this year went to Paul Yates from Mickleton, who took part aboard his 1964 Fordson Super Major.
Vintage tractors will be joined by children’s favourite, Tractor Ted at Moreton Show on Saturday, September 2. Tractors of all ages will be put through their paces later in the year, in the Annual Ploughing Match on Sunday, October 29. All the details are at www.moretonshow.co.uk
