Summer solstice tractor run that all family can enjoy

ABOUT 17 tractors took part in the summer solstice tractor run organised by the South Oxfordshire Tractor Society.

They travelled an 18-mile route from the New Inn in Kidmore End to the South Oxfordshire Brewery in Ipsden and on to the King William Pub in the village before returning.

Paul Jenkins, who helped organised the run, said: “We had an absolutely cracking time, even when later it started to rain and we all got soaked.

“We like to have a bit of fun and dress up when we do the runs and the theme for the solstice was evening dress so people wore bow ties and dresses.”

The drivers came from across the area, including Gallowstree Common, Sonning Common and Woodley.

Rebecca Cottrell, 31, from Sonning Common, went with her husband Henry, 31, and three children, Jessica, six, Albert, nine, and baby Ernest.

She said: “The kids love it. It’s great for them to go out and have fun socialising with their friends and the same for the adults too. My husband helped organise the run along with Paul.

“He grew up in the village and his dad took him on tractors when he was a child so he has been driving them ever since he could. Henry works in forestry, so tractors have been a big part of his job as well.”

The run is one of several the society holds throughout the year, including a St George’s Day run, where participants dress up as knights and damsels, and one on Remembrance Sunday.

Mrs Cottrell said: “Everybody usually hears us coming along the quiet country roads and we get some people coming out of their houses to wave at us.”