This year’s Newark Vintage & Heritage Show, which takes place on the 5th and 6th of November, is still accepting classic tractor entries, with several anniversary celebrations taking place at the event.
It’s the 75th anniversary of the Field Marshall Series II this year and Ross Anderson, the brother of the Field Marshall Club founder, Peter, is marking the occasion by bringing his first Field Marshall to the show.
“She’s a very special tractor and she means a lot to us,” he said. “Without this tractor, we could have become football hooligans or something, but instead we spent our time repairing and recycling with her. Peter founded the Marshall Club, learnt to read and write, wrote two books and was head of machinery at RHS Wisley for 18 years.”
According to 24-year-old Alex Kettlewell and his girlfriend Jennie, the event is a chance for the young and old to get together. The pair clock up more than 2,000 miles a year taking a 1979 Ford 3600 to rallies
“Vintage tractors have a massive social scene. So many of my old school friends just sit at home playing video games, but what I’ve achieved doing the tractors up is brilliant. I’d say don’t be afraid to have a go – if you save up and buy one, it’s a big daunting project, but it’s also a huge learning experience.”
Katie Birch, who is 21 years old, inherited her love for vintage tractors from her grandad and plans to bring his Fergie TED20 to the event. She would like to see more young women get involved, as she is often the only young female exhibitor.
“It’s a shame, we need more young men and women getting into vintage tractors,” said Katie. “You’ve got all this history right in front of you when you have a vintage tractor and if you want to restore it then you’ve got a nice project. They’re also just really fun.”
The celebrations occurring this year include 70 years of the Fordson New Major E1A (production of which ran from 1952 to 1958). Launched at the Smithfield Show in 1951, it replaced the E27N machine and featured a choice of petrol, diesel or vaporising oil to power the four-cylinder overhead valve engine.
It’s also 75 years of the Cropmaster, or VAK1C, from David Brown, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Massey Ferguson MF1200. The MF1200 mirrored the four-wheel-drive, articulated 1500 and 1800 machines produced for the US market. The central pivot enabled tight headland turns, while the Perkins 5.8-litre engine produced 105hp.
There will also be celebrations of Nicolson’s of Newark and the Ruston stationary engines from Lincoln. The show will also feature three new classes for commercial vehicles; British commercials, non-UK commercials and pre-1950 commercials.
“Classic commercials play an important part in our history and are much loved by many, so we’re delighted to be expanding the classes we are offering,” said organiser Elizabeth Halsall.
To book tickets or enter the show competition go to www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com