Mid-Summer Tractor Run
Saturday 15 July saw the first running of this new event and with forecasts of severe weather including thunderstorms, it was with some apprehension and gathering up of the most waterproof weather gear the participants had to brave the storm. Fortunately, while there were some downpours during the day with the odd rumble and flash of lightning the day proved to be much better than predicted and warm sunshine prevailed through most of the day.
Nineteen drivers and vehicles some with passengers assembled at Hopewell Colliery Café to be joined by another four enthusiastic owners from Hereford. They had chosen to drive their tractors to the start venue, nicely rounding up the total starters to twenty-three.
With a varied selection of tractors, a group of Land Rovers and three vans all moved off in convoy at ten o’clock having completed documentation and fortified with bacon or sausage roll and a hot drink.
The lead tractor was Paul Loveridge on his David Brown 880 as he had devised the route and then the tried and tested method of the vehicle immediately behind stopping at junctions as needed to direct following participants moving off after all had passed with this process being repeated on a rolling sequence. The route went right out of Hopewell Colliery car park and turned left at Broadwell crossroads. Through Coalway crossing the B4228 at the Lambsquay to Clearwell, turn left into Margery Lane before dropping down to Bigsweir Bridge. We turned left just before the bridge into a private estate. The entries were organised back into running order with the tractors running first followed by the various Land Rovers
The following route proved to be the highlight of the run as the landowner had given kind permission to use a section of forest track which consisted of a gravel approach road that led into the forestry. This used an old logging track that was rutted with slippery stones as well as the undulating terrain tested the driver’s off-road skill. The route exited into a grass field and defined track back to gravel drive returning to the entrance by Bigsweir Bridge. While the tractors and Land Rovers took up the challenge the vans parked up and waited for them to return. The lack of ground clearance proved prohibitive, especially for the Mini Van. All that went in reappeared somewhat muddy and with some dragging various amounts of undergrowth with them but all with smiles. The Series One Land Rover had some difficulty here as he only had rear-wheel drive, he eventually appeared at the finish, much to the relief of the others. All well received a Kit Kat and a bottle of water.
After crossing the traffic light-controlled bridge the route turned right in Llandogo climbing up high above the Wye Valley through a tree-lined narrow
road giving excellent views of the river. It then dropped down to the edge of Tintern where a left turn and a short drive down the A466 saw a right turn over Brockweir Bridge, a long continuous climb brought us into Hewelsfield. At this point the heavens opened causing many to scramble for their waterproofs. The route passed down through Clana and Aylburton Common into Aylburton, turning left onto the A48 to the refreshment halt at Taurus Crafts. The car park had been cordoned off for us. Once we were all parked up, a hot drink and a piece of cake awaited us.
On the restart, the start-up procedure for the John Deere “R2” was a sight to behold. Seeing and more importantly, hearing the 1951 John Deere “R” start up using the slave engine first to then engage with the main engine to bring it all to life was very impressive. On leaving Taurus Crafts the route traveled around the A48 Lydney bypass before taking a right turn for Purton. The narrow roads in this area made for interesting driving, overgrowing Ferns being the biggest problem. The wide-angle view of the river Severn looking towards Newnham from this road makes it all worthwhile The route followed the Severn Estuary with further views of the river Severn. The route then passed through Awre before joining the A48 at Bullo passing through Newnham and on to the finish at the White Hart Broadoak.
With us all parked up in the first car park the days proceeding were debated over a glass or two of refreshment. All agreed that the inaugural run was a success, with some asking when is the next one.? At this point we had another downpour, however, it could not dampen our spirits. Suitably refreshed we made our various ways home.
Pictures on Gallery page