Smiles all the way at tractor run and fun day

Tractors roll the village. Images courtesy of Julia Murgatroyd

A unique tractor run and novel sheep shearing event by a dedicated fundraising farming team raised more than £1,400 for Doctor Kershaw's.

More than 20 tractors - all makes, shapes and sizes - travelled a 25-mile trail across Saddleworth as a prelude for an entertaining fun afternoon at Albion Farm in Delph.

An appreciative crowd watched a riveting sheep shearing competition, with the main shearing class sponsored by L Townend Limited, vehicle body builders from Holmfirth. 

Paddy Crowther claimed the £100 first prize and Simon Turkington, who came second, scooped a bottle of appropriately named sheep dip whiskey.

They beat off keen competition from Kate Hill, Joe Smith, Freddie Shorrock, Nathan Brown, Gus Brown, Billy Townend, Alister Bland and Carl Benton. 

The best shorn fleece was won by Simon Turkington who claimed a £30 prize, in a competition sponsored by Mackay Knit Designs.

And Paddy Crowther claimed a crate of beer in the eat a pie / shear a sheep / drink a pint competition!

Farmer Jim Hussey and his dogs, Hill and Ranger, were praised for an enthralling sheepdog demonstration.

Organiser Carl Benton said: “It was a great family afternoon in the sun. 

"I’m already planning an even better 2023 event.”

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