Christmas tractor fundraising extravaganza arrives in Marlborough

Devizes Young Farmers’ festive fundraiser brought scores of decorated tractors to Marlborough High Street this afternoon, Sunday December 20.

Festooned with tinsel, balloons, inflatable Santas and other Christmas paraphernalia the tractors brought a smile to the faces of Marlborough’s Sunday shoppers while at the same time raising money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Motor Neurone Disease.

However, a deliberately parked car in the middle of the road on the north side of the High Street prevented the tractors completing the High Street circuit and resulted in traffic queuing along the A4 beyond Barton Park. Frustrated passers-by tried in vain to persuade the owner of the car to move it with quite a crowd gathering chanting ‘Move your car’. The police were called. However, many families who were waiting to see the tractors were disappointed as the tractors were forced to turn around.

This also meant a loss of potential fundraising as those collecting could not move along the entire High Street.

The tractors had to reverse and manoeuvre their way out of the High Street to continue their journey to West Kennet for a drive through hog-roast.

The grand tractor tour began at T H Whites in Devizes at 10.30 am, passing through Pewsey, Rushall and Oare to a pit stop at St John’s School. After Marlborough High Street the convoy was continuing to West Kennet, over Tan Hill to Stanton St Bernard, Horton and back to Devizes.

This is the first time Devizes Young Farmers have organised such an event. They have already raised £1580 towards their target of £2000. If you would like to donate visit the Just Giving page here.

Harry Stokes, chair of Devizes Young Farmers, told Marlborough.news, “Motor Neurone Disease is a highly regarded and important charity to us having tragically lost close family and friends in the farming community to it. This event is being held in memory of the late John Harold Davies, grandfather of one of our members.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance perform an impeccable and invaluable service for the community. We hope this continued support will protect our loved ones for generations to come.”