All smiles at vintage tractor run across countryside

A CONVOY of 68 vintage tractors completed a charity run on Sunday.

The Chiltern Vintage Tractor Run, now in its 19th year, is a 22-mile, seven-hour route across estates and fields in the Chilterns.

It raises funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance, whose volunteers helped to steward the run.

The theme for this year’s event was the 80th anniversary of VE Day, so Union flags and bunting adorned many of the vehicles and some of the participants wore Forties-style clothes or military uniforms.

The convoy made its way from Hanger Farm in Fingest towards Wycombe Air Field near Marlow, where the participants had lunch, before returning.

Before it set off, Rev Andy Storch, of the Hambleden Valley group of churches, blessed the tractors and wished everyone a safe ride.

He also said a prayer for longstanding supporter Peter Warner, who died the day before the event.

Reg Meakes, 94, a retired blacksmith from Little Frieth, was taking part for the 12th year on his vintage Ford tractor. His son Andrew and grandson Greg also took part.

He said: “We’ve got a lot of vintage tractors between us. I’ve done well to drive up to my age.”

Organiser Gary Anderson thanked the landowners, route marshals and volunteers who provided tea and bacon rolls. Mr Anderson, an aviation consultant from Moor Common, said: “Farmers who tend the land that we drive over are under pressure so this is a good, fun day for them.”

One tractor broke down and had to be towed to Wycombe Air Field by Mr Anderson’s son, Henry, 21, a mechanic, who fixed it.

Owner Caspar Grundy, 24, a student from Henley, was taking part for a third year.

“It’s a great day out with smiles and laughter,” he said.