LIFTON enjoyed a large display of vintage and working tractors on Sunday, October 23, when they gathered at Tinhay Industrial Estate behind the Fox & Grapes Inn.

A presentation was made by Susanne Furse, the welfare officer for the South Western region of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, and a few words were said by Cllr Chris Edmonds on behalf of the Rev Tim Deacon of St Mary’s Church, Lifton, the two charities being the beneficiaries of the day.

A briefing was then given to all the tractor drivers by Adrian Barriball, who, over the last two weeks, had plotted the route.

Teas and coffees on the lawn of the Fox & Grapes were served to all the drivers and spectators.

Forty seven tractors lined up in front of the Fox & Grapes, Lifton, and the tractor run was started by the sounding of a large horn by Cllr Chris Edmonds.

The youngest spectator of the day was one and a half year old Blake Furse, and the oldest driver was 84-year-old Bonzo Moyse.

Tractors from as far away as Exeter, Newquay and Winkleigh took part. The tractors ranged from Grey Ferguson’s to a Ford silver jubilee 7810 to four Ford TW35’s and a county 1184.

Lifton embraced the spectacle and many residents stood on the road side, supporting the day.

The tractor run headed from Lifton towards Kelly, Meadwell and beyond, to enjoy the spectacular countryside views. After two and a half hours, all the tractors and many spectators returned to the Fox & Grapes to enjoy a two-course carvery lunch.

There was also an extensive draw and a charity auction. The ‘guess the weight of the Ford 7700 V8’ was won by Simon Heard.

The Construction Industry Charity raises money for families and individuals in their time of need due to death, illness or accident.

The chairman of the South West branch, Mr David Jeffrey, came along to support the event and drove a Ford 6600, which he said was a ‘great experience’ as he had not driven a tractor for the past 25 years.

Rose and Arnie from the Fox & Grapes provided a wonderful lunch and made a donation to the two charities.

Susanne Furse, the organiser of the event, said: “The event was a great success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day.”

The event raised a total of £711 and the next tractor run is already on the calendar for 2017.