109 tractors gather for farmer’s 80th birthday bash

A special 80th birthday tractor run turned into a grand affair when 109 tractors gathered to celebrate Staffordshire farmer Harry Tomlinson.

Ahead of his birthday, which takes place on 9 December, Mr Tomlinson’s children, Chris Tomlinson, Richard Tomlinson, and Laura Pott set about organising the ultimate farming celebration.

On Sunday 26 November, the farming community came together en-masse, with a gathering of 109 tractors arriving at Mr Tomlinson’s farmyard.

“We thought it would be lovely to do a tractor run, and we were aiming for 80 tractors for 80 years,” explains Laura.

See also: Knaresborough Tractor Run raises over £100,000 for charity

Left to right: Chris Tomlinson, Harry Tomlinson, Laura Pott and Richard Tomlinson © Midlands Agri

“We never thought we’d get 80 tractors, we thought we would perhaps see 30 or 40, especially with the November weather and heading into winter.

“We opened up an online booking system and the entries just kept coming in.

“We were inundated with messages from people saying they were coming from Crewe, Nantwich, Buxton, and quite a few places around an hour to an hour-and-a-half away.

“On the day we knew we were expecting around 60 to 70 tractors, but we actually had 109 turn out. We’re still in shock and trying to take it all in,” said Laura.

Mr Tomlinson led the tractor run in his favourite Fendt tractor, following a 17-mile round-trip route, going through Abbots Bromley, the village where he has farmed for most of his life.

The family also organised a charity fundraiser for the Midlands Air Ambulance, and have so far raised £4,478.

“The numbers are still going up,” explains Laura. “People have been very generous, and we’re still having donations come in.

“My dad is just blown away with the turnout and the generosity.”

To make a donation to the fundraising efforts, visit the Just Giving page: LAURA Pott is fundraising for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (justgiving.com)