International tractor not seen on roads since 2007 joins charity run

Organised by Alex Kettlewell and Phil Stanier of Cheshire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club, the Tour de Wales run set off from Davenham on May 9.

After visiting Llangollen and touring North Wales, the 30 vintage tractors, driven by a team of 29 men and one woman, returned home to complete their 175-mile three-day adventure.

And in its first outing off the farm since 2007, Guy Davies joined the tour driving his International tractor. 

Delighting passersby, the tractor run has also raised more than £1,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). 

Alex said: "The trip couldn’t have gone any better, the weather was great; everyone was a team player, and everyone had a buzz from it was fantastic.

Guy Davies on his International's first adventure off the farm in 18 years (Image: Cheshire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club) "It gives you a break from reality, it gives you a chance to switch off, and you also appreciate everything that you have so close to home.

"It’s like going to another world where we go, we are on off-road tracks you’ll never go, and it makes you appreciate the things around you."

The drivers set off at 6.30am on day one led by Alex, who guided them out of Davenham and then through Moulton, Tilstock, Colemere, and Glyn Ceiriog, before arriving at Llangollen.

Organiser Alex Kettlewell with Rhys Jones (Image: Cheshire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club) The team paused in Glyn Ceiriog and were hosted by Colin Owen, who with his family provided cakes and hot drinks, while showing their own tractor collection to the group.

On day two, Rhys Jones led the team down fantastic tracks and hills and through Welsh villages including Pontfadog and Selattyn.

The drivers also stopped at the Butchers Arms at Wern, which kept the them fuelled with a sausage and chips lunch.

On the third and final day, Alex and Phil Stanier directed everybody back home, enjoying the scenery travelling through St Martins, Holly Bush and Willington.

Co-organiser Phil Stanier on his tractor (Image: Cheshire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club) Jordan Baker, driver of a Massey Ferguson 35x, said: "We all live busy lives, but having the opportunity to have some man talk/time is really good mentally.

"A great escape from the ‘norm’ and a chance to meet new friends."

Alex and Phil are already planning a highly demanded ‘Tour Deux Wales’ for next year.

Tony Rudd and daughter Charlotte Rudd (Image: Cheshire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club)