CROWDS FLOCK TO CHARTIY TRACTOR PULL

On a late summer’s evening in Smallwood, Cheshire the hard work of a dedicated team of volunteers came to fruition.  The first, and hopefully, annual Challenger Charity Tractor Pull was held. Hosted by kind permission of Andrew Thornhill, in association with Smallwood Village Fete.  Sponsored by ASHBROOK, and organised by Kate and Stuart Seabridge of Challenger Tractor Pulling Club.

The inaugural event took place on Saturday 10^th September 2022 and raised £5,000 for the Northwest Air Ambulance Charity.  An estimated 700 spectators came from around the county and from as far away as Suffolk to see 35 people take part.

Tractor Pulling at its best

The pull started at 6pm and carried on through sundown. The roar of the pulling engines was heard and the glow of the flares was seen across the Cheshire countryside.  Taking part were modified pulling tractors which included everything from modern New Holland machines to more vintage outfits.

Kindly donated by main sponsor, ASHBROOK, was a custom puller comprised of a Ford & Major rear end with a DAF wagon engine to supply the power.  This piece of kit was available for hire, so that anyone who wanted to was able to try their hand at this specialist sport.

It’s a true test of driving skill with a careful balance of torque and traction needed.  This is to ensure the machine doesn’t run out of ‘puff’ or have any parts explode!

Supplied by ASHBROOK tractor hire were a CASE IH Puma 165 and a Luxxum 120.  The latter was the levelling tractor, ably driven by Spencer and Phil Kirk, and the former, the pull-back tractor, operated under the careful supervision of Neil Quarterly.  Both modern vehicles performed their duties well showing off the power and performance that they bring to the fields.

Thank you’s

James Ashbrook, MD of ASHBROOK comments, ‘it was a pleasure to be able to support such as great event.  ASHBROOK groundworks had levelled the track at Love Lane Farm earlier in the year, so it was great to see it in action, enjoyed by so many and raising so much money for a worthy charity.  Kate did an excellent job of organising the event.  Lots of work goes into these events so that they run smoothly on the day.  We’re very fortunate that Kate is a master at this.’

Kate Seabridge of Challenger Tractor Pulling Club concludes with these words of thanks.  ‘What a fantastic evening of pulling at our first Smallwood fete charity tractor pull.  There are just so many to thank.  The amazing number of spectators who came to help us raise much-needed funds for Northwest Air Ambulance, and all the pullers and helpers.  Many of whom are incredible friends, James Ashbrook, Andrew Thornhill, Sammi Williams and gang, Becky Thornhill and gang.  Lastly, our thanks go to those who helped with media for the event.  Finn Robinson who completed the artwork for the charity programme and Andy Hassall and Andrew Mutimer for their wonderful photos.

We had lots of fun, merriment, and excellent sport.  In addition to raising £5,000, which is just the icing on the cake.’

Photos for this article kindly supplied by Darrell Oakden

Author: ASHBROOK

We are leading plant, access and agricultural machinery hire experts with specialist transport and groundwork divisions.  ASHBROOK was established during the late 1990s by James Ashbrook, who is still our Managing Director today.  We are a family-run firm and use the latest machines and exceptional customer service to ensure that we meet the exacting needs of our customers time and time again.  Based in the Northwest of the UK, close to main transport routes, we are able to deliver throughout the country and ensure that we are on time, every time, nationwide.