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CHRISTMAS CRANK UP
Westnewlands Farm,
Ricall, Nr. York

27 December 2007

The day dawned cool but fine, with rain forecast by 14.00 hrs.  However, Gordon and I were keen to get the old Foden out for a run.  We had arranged to meet Peter Midgley and his son, John, in the first lay-by on the A19, off the A64 round-a-bout at 10.00am.  This we duly did, and after a short ride we arrived at Westnewlands farm to find the field almost full with, I’m told, 38 tractors at the far side of the road engaged in a ploughing match that went on all day – some good ploughing too.

David Weedon took his Sunters Rotinoff and Scammell as well as Wynns Diamond T, giving a good show for the heavy haulage brigade.  There were also some small commercials and cars, but the majority were tractors and a real good turnout of stationary engine.

David Fox, the farm owner, and one of the organisers told me it was the best turnout in its ten-year history.  Most people made donations to the event, allowing them to share £1,300 between ‘The Heart Foundation’ and ‘The Cancer Care Trust’, as they do each year.  They also put on a lovely homemade food and drinks: stew and dumplings being one of the favourites on a winter’s day.  Well done to Mrs Fox and helpers.  All, despite the weather, had a good day out.

Gordon and I arrived home by 3pm, just as it started to rain, having had a very pleasant day out; with tongues working overtime again.  Nothing new there then!

   Happy motoring and a Happy New Year to all.

   Cheers,

   Jim Beresford