2 minute read
Tern Valley Spring Tractor Road Run
15th May 2022
by Barry Job
On Sunday 15th May, the Tern Valley Vintage Machinery Trust held their spring road run in memory of Gerald Cartwright. Gerald had been a founder member of the Trust in 1979, a Chairman for many years, he was awarded honorary membership in 2020 for his dedication and support to the Trust. He sadly passed away suddenly on 25th March.
The 22 mile road run route started at Sydney House Farm, Kynnersley, where breakfast and refreshments were available, courtesy of Richard and Isabelle Moseley. Kynnersley is in a surprisingly rural area in spite of lying only a few miles to the north of the extensive conurbation of Telford.
Just prior to the start at 10.30 am a minutes silence was held for Gerald Cartwright, and Peter Johnson then gave the driver's briefing. Then they were off, with Gerry Hobday in the lead. Leaving the farm along an attractive tree lined drive, the convoy essentially followed an anticlockwise route through Edgmond and passed Caynton Mill on the River Meese, a tributary of the River Tern, to reach the halfway stop at Howle Manor courtesy of Peter Watson-Jones. Unfortunately, on the narrow lanes a breakdown caused the convoy to separate and tractors arrived at Howle Manor in two groups.
Suitably refreshed, the tractors travelled via Childs Ercall, Bolas and Cherrington to arrive back at Sydney House Farm where lunch was available and the raffle was drawn. The event made £1250 to be divided between the Tern Valley Trust, the Alzheimer's Society and a charity to be chosen by the Cartwright family.
With good weather, everyone agreed that the run had been a great success and a credit to Gerry Hobday and Mike Johnson, the organisers, and the Tern Valley Trust.
For further information on the Trust and its activities see their website at www.tvvmt.co.uk
Peter Johnson gives the driver's briefing before the start of the run. Gerry Hobday leads the tractors away on his 1969 Nuffield.
On his very smart Massey Ferguson Multi-Power Andrew Millington leaves Sydney House Farm.
