Tractor heritage, news and features

Tibenham Treat

For me the marshalling of more than 460 tractors on a 25-mile course along tight country lanes and small villages took the organisation of the event to yet another level. I well recall last year surveying the empty village green at Old Buckenham, site of the run’s lunch-time stop, and wondering how on earth the site could be managed. But it was, and with military precision. In fact the lunch time stop brought the proceedings to a whole new level with more than 1000 spectators lining the roads as the convoy drew into town. It was certainly an emotional moment for road run co-founder Ashley Godsall, who recalled: “This was something I had never encountered before; and something that might not be seen again!”

This may well have been the same for the spectators as the hypnotic thud of Max Knight’s and Ashley Godsall’s pair of leading Field Marshalls had a mesmerising effect in the quiet Norfolk air, raising your expectations as the vast convoy eventually drew in to view.

Ashley added: “The start has also has been developed yet again this year and the stewarding was well organised, stopping everyone making a mad dash for the gate! Our special thanks go to Keith and Jane Broomhall and everyone involved.”

Keith Broomhall confirmed that this was the best event they have ever helped organise and added: “The highlight for Jane and I was arriving at the midday stop on Old Buckenham Common; the sight of so many people gathered to watch the arrival of the tractors was truly magnificent.

“We would like to say a big thank you to all our club members, friends and the Norfolk Gliding Club for helping make this a most memorable weekend and National Road Run. The comments received from participants who thoroughly enjoyed their drive on Norfolk roads made all the hard work by club members, in staging the event, really worthwhile.”

The ‘torch’ has now been handed over to Henry Dixon one of the organisers of next year’s event at Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. For details of the arrangements turn to our report on page six. Or go online to our new website at tractormagazine.co.uk and download an entry form (and while you’re there take a look at our online gallery of all the tractors we didn’t have space to include from the event), it certainly pays to book early – I can’t believe how quickly the time has slipped away from the last National!

Tony Hoyland
Editor