Brockenhurst Young Farmers Club New Year's Eve tractor run raises £1,550

WET weather did not deter spectators from turning out to cheer on a New Year's Eve charity tractor run through the New Forest.

The event, organised by Brockenhurst Young Farmers Club, involved 156 tractors and 4x4s travelling in convoy through Brockenhurst and New Milton.

It raised more than £1,500 which will be divided between the Farm Safety Foundation and a project to refurbish the youth organisation's headquarters at Tiptoe.

The parade began at the New Park showground in Brockenhurst at 11am before continuing through Brockenhurst along Wootton Road to New Milton town centre, Pennington, and then back to New Park via Pitmore Lane and Sway Road.

Brockenhurst Young Farmers chair Samantha Gates said: “This is the second year we have organised the tractor run and it was even bigger and better this time around.

"We were pleased that so many people turned out to see us – it was lovely to see spectators waving from their cars as some sat inside to avoid the very wet weather.

“Last year it was such a delight to see so many of the community coming out in the rain to cheer us along, we knew we had to do it again.

“This year we are continuing to support the Farm Safety Foundation and and also raising money for our club hall refurbishment.

She added: “We would love to thank New Park Farm for kindly allowing us to use their field as a start and finish meeting place and to Hel’s Kitchen for providing lovely food for the start of the event and also the amazing local community who turned out in the rain to support us.”

Brockenhurst Young Farmers meet weekly on a Wednesday evening and welcome new members aged 10-28.

Two years ago membership had dwindled to the point where the group was facing closure, but it now has over 30 regular attendees.

Samantha added: “We meet in Tiptoe for regular evenings and activities – you don’t even need a pair of wellies to join us, just a love for the outdoors and be eager to learn new things."

For more information email brock.hantsyfc@gmail.com or contact Samantha on 07597 382652.