Tractor heritage, news and features

Welcome... September 2010

But no, the organisers at the Newark County Showground are already well under way with plans for this, the eighth show. Featured tractors this year will be David Brown and Case tractors and the organisers have told us they have received well over 100 entries to date. And following the success of the 180-metre-long marquee packed to the gunnels with International tractors last time, they are keen to top that incredible effort.

There are sure to be quite a few rarities and immaculate restorations among the entries and here are just a few to whet the appetite. Firstly from North Yorkshire will be Tom Sayer’s C Reg Case David Brown 1394 Mudder, only one of three models known to be in the UK and numbered 19 of only 50 manufactured; bought from the USA, it was the first model to have an engine over 120hp. Also hoping to travel down from North Yorks will be Richard Sturdy’s 1940 Case L, this tractor is ex-Hunday Museum (the late John Moffatt) and one of the last L models made. Among the older entries will be Nigel Walker’s 18-32 Crossover in original condition and full running order, wending its way from Co Durham for the event, which our publishers Mortons are always pleased to sponsor.

The progressive team at the showground are not resting on their laurels after the runaway success of last year’s show and have been listening carefully to comments made by visitors, which has resulted in a number of  changes, not least to the Presentation Evening. Show Manager Sally Devereux commented: “There is always room for improvement at any show and we really wanted to have exhibitors’ views.

“As a result, we are not presenting endless certificates but concentrating on the silverware; the show has in excess of 20 generously donated cups and salvers with more in the pipeline. Results will be posted on a big noticeboard in the Cedric Ford Pavilion while trophies will be presented in the George Stephenson Hall on Sunday morning, after the Remembrance Day Service...making Saturday evening a more relaxed and fully inclusive event by introducing an optional carvery instead of the more formal dinner in the Cedric Ford. There will also be an open bar and free entertainment for everyone in the pavilion during the evening.”

Already there is the strong possibility that 2009’s record figure of 859 vehicles will be broken. The Native & Rare Breeds Exhibition has really caught visitors’ imagination, while the Brown & Co Auction of tractors and parts goes from strength to strength. So all in all, there’s no excuse for bringing the Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show to your attention so early; it’s fast becoming the perfect climax to the event season.

Tony Hoyland
Editor