Welsh National Tractor Run on Sunday 18th June

ByBasilGeorge

On Sunday 18 June I attended the Welsh National Tractor Run which was organised by the Neath Steam and Vintage Club. The driving force behind the event was Ian Davies of Plant Hire Crynant. It was nice to see Ian on the run in good health and being supported by his many helpers and supporters. There was a good selection of tractors taking part, one or two of which I had not seen before. In total there were at least 160 tractors touring the hills and valleys of the Swansea and Neath area, taking in the forestry commission woodlands.

I parked myself at Estates Farm Tonna by kind permission of Gareth and Ann Woodham, long-time friends of mine. Both were brought up in the Vale of Glamorgan area and some 40 years ago moved to the Neath Valley. Some

Ian Davies friend of theirs in the Vale said they had moved west to do missionary work in West Glamorgan. I am sure they have achieved their aim. Gareth has had a number of vintage tractors and machines in his time but on this occasion he sat this one out.

The weather conditions for the tractor run were almost perfect: the forestry road gave some slight covering of dust, and a shower of rain came in, but by that time all those taking part were on their way home.

Again, a lot of money was raised for charity as well as giving many people pleasure – not only of taking part but also, as a lady from Resolven told me “We like to see these old tractors and the children love them too”.

Gareth & Ann Woodham