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From The Wellies
by Sandy Thomson
of Westpark Farm, by Aberfeldy
The Highland Perthshire National Farmers Union branch tractor road run took place on Sunday 18 July. A total of over £2,100 was raised with some money still to come in. The charities benefiting this year are CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland) and Heartland FM and all monies collected will be split between both.
Drivers were asked to raise money by asking people to pay a donation and guess the average age of the tractor drivers on the run. Four years ago this was 48.5 years old, this year it had fallen to 44.3 years and, at a time when the average age of farmers working in this industry is 58 years old, we are not doing too badly in Highland Perthshire. There were eight correct guesses, all of which went into a draw for four donated prizes.
The run was lucky with the weather as the following three days saw strong winds and heavy rain which aren’t the best conditions to be driving a cabless tractor in! The route from Aberfeldy took in Logierait, Pitlochry, Edradour and Tulliemet, before calling in at the Mill of Logierait at the Diamond Wedding anniversary party for Tony and Joan Guinan. The happy couple had no idea that 48 tractors and drivers of all vintages, were going to gatecrash their party. After a welcome glass of Pimms and a blether with the party goers, the run crossed the Logierait Bridge and parked behind Grandtully Village Hall where the ‘Tully’ provided another welcome refreshment stop.
The Rickard family from the bunkhouse at Glassie provided a delicious hogroast at Aberfeldy Groundworks yard to round off a very enjoyable day. The cheques will be handed over at Atholl & Breadalbane Show in Aberfeldy on the 14 August when representatives from both CHAS and Heartland FM will be present.
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The preparations are well in hand for this year’s Atholl & Breadalbane Agricultural Show which takes place on Friday and Saturday 13 & 14 August, at Wade’s Park Aberfeldy. Friday is devoted to Horse Competitions with events ranging from Showjumping to the very popular fancy dress competition. Another great event on the Friday is the Pet Show and everyone is encouraged to bring along their pets as long as they are well behaved and suitably restrained.
Saturday sees the main agricultural section of the show taking place, with cattle and sheep showing starting at 9am along with Clydesdales and ridden and inhand Highland ponies. The Champion of Champions class follows as soon as all livestock classes are finished. The Vintage Tractors will be judged mid-morning and will parade round the ring after the judging and again in the afternoon. The Horticultural tent and the WRI tent will have their usual mix of top-class exhibits with many being donated to the auction which is held later on in the afternoon. A full afternoon programme consisting of tug-o-war, highland dancing, piping and the usual range of heavy events and games will then follow. A varied range of trade stands is already booked in with, it is hoped, something for everyone.
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