Tractors old and new pull crowds to stately home

HUNDREDS of tractor and vintage vehicle enthusiasts converged on a Yorkshire stately home’s estate over the weekend for one of the leading shows of its kind in the North of England.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Jun 2013, 10:32 BST
Alfie Leonard, 4, runs excitedly down a line of Nuffield Universal vintage tractors at the Tractorfest event at Newby Hall near RiponAlfie Leonard, 4, runs excitedly down a line of Nuffield Universal vintage tractors at the Tractorfest event at Newby Hall near Ripon
Alfie Leonard, 4, runs excitedly down a line of Nuffield Universal vintage tractors at the Tractorfest event at Newby Hall near Ripon

The eighth annual Tractor Fest was staged at Newby Hall, near Ripon, on Saturday and yesterday, when more than 1,000 exhibits were on display. Among the exhibitors was Shelley Pinder, from Northallerton, who brought along her Massey Harris 44 Special tractor which was built in 1955.

Mrs Pinder, 58, is the secretary of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club and has been showing tractors for 30 years. She also owns a grey Ferguson TEA20 tractor built in 1950.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The Newby Hall Tractor Fest is one of the best shows in the north of England,” said Mrs Pinder, who was brought up on a farm in East Yorkshire.

“There’s such a diverse age range of tractors from the steel-wheeled to the more modern and Newby is such a beautiful setting and with the associated trade stands and activities, it’s a really good weekend out.”

Mrs Pinder is also secretary of the Duncombe Park Steam Rally in Helmsley and has recently returned from the National Tractor Rally in Australia.

Her two tractors are kept at home with her in Northallerton, where she works as a receptionist in a local doctor’s surgery.

This year’s Newby Hall Tractor Fest included 500 tractors – both old and new – as well as cars, trucks, working machinery and stationary barn engines.

Related topics:NorthallertonYorkshireEnglandNorthRiponEast Yorkshire