Tractor Girls

The final day began with ribbons, balloons, streamers, all pink of course to decorate the tractors in celebration that this was our final day!!!

We left Laddock before 9.00am, really good nights sleep! Was wonderful to see Alex Morton (Best Friend) the previous night and again later in the morning when we reached Truro!

After an hours drive we reacted Lemon Quay in Truro, where the Mayor and BBC Cornwall were there to greet us along with many well wishers!

Whilst there we were interviewed for the radio again and received a free ride on the children’s merry go around! All for a laugh and a giggle!

Some more Cornish Pasties and we were on our way again!

It was very cloudy with some showers as we made our way along the coast, stopping along the way. After lunch it was full throttle to the finish line at Lands End. It was wonderful to hear the hoots and see lots of waving from family members whizzing past to beat us down to the end and see us in!

We drove along the coast taking in breath taking views. I was extremely chocked up to think this was it for our UK Leg of the journey and so incredibly proud. We pulled into the final lay by before the end, approximately 5 miles away. We waved goodbye to Robert/Dad aka Daddy Tractor, Paul, Lauren, Willie, Kevin and Noeleen, our faithful back up crew for the entire journey and here we were all  ready to make the final journey together!

Jenny followed by Jaime, Hannah, Wendy Alice, Sophie, Catherine, Eilidh, Laura, Claire, Carol and Louise drove in our final convoy, the traffic would have to wait, this was the moment all the hours of hard work, tiredness, sunshine, rain, wind and driving had come down to, a year later after I first came up with this crazy idea that many thought could not be done, Tractor Girls 2010 drew into Lands End!!! WE HAD DONE IT!!!

Champagne fired over the tractors as we drove past our families with horns being blasted and lots of happy smiles and tears of joy and relieve!!!

We took two of our tractors round to the famous sign, the John Deere due to that massive support the dealerships showed along the way as well as my Massey for the same reason and also due to the fact that it was that little tractor and my love of driving it that started the whole idea!!!

I hope you have enjoyed this blog, it doesn’t even begin to shed the light on the journey that Tractor Girls 2010 was. It will always be very close to my heart and I can say wholeheartedly that the girls and I gave it our very best shot and as I said at Lands End;

‘It doesnt matter who does it next, how many girls do it, or in how many days, we were the first, we were the first to do it and no one can ever take that away from us!’

Tractor Girls 2010 is a one off event for 2010. It will all be put to bed by the end of October. It has been the ride of a lifetime.

Next stop Ireland, West to East!

Tractor Love Always! xxx John O Groats to Lands End DONE!

Jenny

07854673921

Well today begins the final countdown!

Holworthy to Perranporth.

We set off at 8.30am after an interesting morning due to a young apprentices mishap…. fuel and grill is all Im saying !

The tractors stayed the night at Robert Cole’s yard. We went straight to Keevils for photos, what fabulous accomodation and meals they sorted out for us! Thank you so much! On leaving James we continue on the A39.

Dad pulled me over mid morning and thrust his phone into my hand to update BBC Radio Cornwall on our process, interview over and back on the road.

We are flying along today and with the weather on our side my little red bonnet on the tractor gleems in the sun and as far as I can see ahead there are other shining tractors!

We regroup at St Kew services where we had our first Cornish Pasty from the bakery and complimentory donuts! Thanks ladies!

From here and with Catherine on the John Deere leading the way we continued on to a chocolate shop, recieved free smaples, pulled into a car park were we met local councillors on our lunch stop in Wadebridge. We also met a couple of happy little children, treated to a sit on the tractors. No matter how long the day has been nothing lifts the spirits as much as seeing a little boy or espically girl smiling at sitting on your tractor!

From here we moved onto Kingsley Village Fraddon. Claire, Cat and I decided it would be funny to go through the MacDonalds drive through and we were all set to race off and do this until we realised the John Deere would not fit! That plan haulted we went from there to John Richards to re fuel, lots of narrow lanes and very high hills in Devon, really livens the driving up!

End of a busy day sees us pulling into Thomas and Liz Andrews for supper. A heart warming speech made by Thomas brings home once again the reason for the run, to help others in dark times. For all the fun we have had so far, it gives us another boost to raise more money and awareness for our charities and more importantly the brave people going through these terrible diseases.

I was informed today that our online donations system has not been working. This is a terrible shame. However I have pledged and continue to believe we shall still reach our fundraising target, we shall just have to work harder after the run. If anyone wishes to donate please contact me (Jenny) on 07854673921.

After supper some of the girls myself included decided to venture down to Perranporth, which was fantastic! A quite and enjoyable final evening, Claire and I tried to find the sea for a paddle but the tide was out and after half an hour of walking out in the direction of the sea we gave up and met some of the girls back at a bar on the beach for live music.

Everyone is excited about tomorrow. The tractors are starting to tire slightly now, the John Deere has to be bump started as does Claire’s Dexta and a couple of the MF35’s, breaks are wearing as are the tyres, clutches grind slightly, (as my brother says its a gearbox not a duke box!) and of course there are some serious miles on the clocks now!

Last day tomorrow and I have butterflies in my stomach. I cannot believe we are nearly there! Please let tomorrow run smoothly!

After all tomorrow at 4pm history is made! 11 Girls, 11 Tractors, Over 1000 Miles………..

Time for sleep!

Tractor Love

Jenny x

Good morning after a much needed nights sleep.

It was wonderful to see ex Tractor Girl Kelly Merrit (one week over her due date) and partner Tim Roe, Thanks guys for being ace hosts.

Kelly even fitted into her TG2010 hoodie and we put her on the tractor in the hope the baby may be inspired to make an appearance….. no such luck!

(Since writing this Baby Elizabeth Anne was born 15th July CONGRATULATIONS!!!)

On the road again and the three dextas went to Hawkins NH Dealers at Bridgwater. The massey’s went to Bigwood of Tauton. We also began corrispondants with Radio Cornwall over the phone with live interviews.

Then onto the Rock Inn for a nice lunch stop where we met up with more family and friends.

From here we pushed on to South Moulton to meet the Mayor and enjoy a Devon Cream Tea, thumbs up all around!

The cream tea also helped to numb the kiwi assault on the captain’s back board! It has been a few days since a good shunt, I was starting to think we may have become professional! Check out my backboard fr evidence! Caused a good giggle!

We continued from here to Torrington pulling into R.Cole yard at 7.30pm to be met by John and James of Keevils Auctioneers.

Lovely comfy accomodation, great company and a late supper awaited us.

x

The day started early and this day was always highlighted on the itinerary as the longest most complicated day, but with the weather on our side the day began the right way.

With so much traffic though we were soon slowed down; lay bys, drive ways, gateways, low verges we were in all of them trying to push the traffic past as best we could.

We pulled in at Over The Farm market for a ‘brunch stop’. It had been a really hard morning with Sophie and ‘The Phantom Badger Incident.’

Back on the road after a quick stop and again volumes of traffic slowed us down. We arrived slightly later than planned to Bristol but had a heart warming reception at the CLIC Sargent Offices, the tv cameras and photographers were waiting, all very exciting! (We featured on the local news later that evening.)

From there we progressed into the busier more built up areas of Bristol and then start of wacky races…. tractor girls style! 11 girls were meant to travel in convoy with vehicle escorts, withing 10 minutes and due to different sets of traffic lights and roundabouts plus junctions we all got split up into three groups, all in different directions which meant a frantic run around for the back up crews to try and round us all back up! In our group we lost radio contact and were utterly lost….. step forward Hannah Mayhew! The pint sized TG2010 yelled that she knew the way as she attended Uni in Bristol. Hannah went to the front of our group and led us straight through the centre past the Hippodrome, Broadmead and pointing out important sights such as where she used to live and Primark!

Hannah led our team out to where Dad was waiting at the top of the hill. As we approached his car we were suddenly aware of lots of other vintage tractors ahead of us… it was the Somerset Vintage Club, a lack of ladies and pink but they escorted us to Portbury to the Oakham Museum and lots of friendly faces.

We were greeted by Ken Sherall the museum owner, Club memebers, TG2010 families and friends. We arrived first with our very chuffed sat nav system Hannah, with the other girls pulling in not long after us.

We all agreed Bristol and TG2010’s do not mix and how there are way to many traffic lights to run a convoy! We had a wonderful dinner and afterwards took the tour of the very impressive collections. Our evening did not end here, so after photos and a generous donation from the club we processed on the tractors towards Bridgwater.

The evening drive was brilliant and the sun set was breath taking. A great couple of hours, traffic free and gave us a chance to drive with our lights on in the dark.

We pulled into Cannington Cold Stores at 10.30pm after 112 miles and approximately 14 hours drive.

Smiles all around and a huge sense of achievement!

Tractor Love x

We left John’s before 9.00am, joined the main road again at Nantwich, a section I recognised from the previous evening due to the fact I led myself, Sophie and Wendy Alice 11 miles further than we needed to go after I managed to miss a turning.

We had planned to travel a more direct route today, down the A49, but due to heavy road works we had to divert.

The road was incredibly busy with lead drivers continuously pulling their groups over wherever possible. Continuous radio contact about traffic meant keeping tail backs of traffic to a minimum.

We pressed on to Ludlow speeding to Tesco. (When I say speeding I mean a maximum speed of approximately 15 miles an hour but it feels allot faster in the driving seat!) A quick photo and interview and we went into the town to meet the Mayor at the Market Square for lunch. No sooner had I taken a bite of my sandwich then I had to do a live radio session with the local station, great fun  and another new experience.

After lunch we had a quick team talk, the days are getting longer and alot busier now, the girls are coping so well. The roads are getting smaller and the lorries and loads are bigger. The lorries continue to be the best fun on the road, Love a Lorry Day should be created!

Anyway after a photo call with the Mayor it was back to Tesco to meet Diane Pound who had arranged a collection slot for us. We lined all 11 tractors up, dashed into Tesco and received a fair welcome.

It was then back on the tractors and off to Leominster.

We stopped in at Alexander and Duncan Ltd John Deere dealership for our fuel and thanks to Simon and Cyril for our free John Deere Mascots, I chose a cow called Hereford, original I know!

On from there at 5.30pm with gorgeous weather we trundled down to Hereford.

When approaching the cattle market a big crowd of people had congregated to meet us, clapping, cheering and waving flags. A wonderful reception laid on by Mike Hughes and the Hereford Lions Club.

Off to our accomodation and then a yummy bbq at Simon and Val’s. I had a much needed early night after that and the girls weren’t to far behind me.

All the girls continue to drive well and we are keeping to times as well as we can.

Mileage today 98! Longest day so far!

Tractor Love

Jenny x

Well it has been the morning after the night before, with smiles on our faces and feeling tip top after such a brilliant night the Tractor Girls 2010 pulled out of John Cornwaite’s at approximately 9.30-10 am…… ok it was actually 11am!

John Corthwaite led the convoy through Preston on the A6. We stopped for lunch at the Railway Inn Euxton, very nice!

From there onwards the A49 is the main road for the trip. We are on this road for the next few days so please come out and say hello! We would love to see you as we have met so many fantastic people so far! Lots of chocolate and red bull needed today, the sun is shining though and tales from the night before keep us going!

We pulled into John Bownes near Whitchurch early evening and were treated to a tour of his collection, very impressive!

Tonight we are all in the same hotel but everyone is partied out from the night before. Tomorrow marks a week since we have been on the road, and what a week it has been!!!

Ludlow and Hereford tomorrow, Bristol and Bridgwater Tuesday!

The end is getting nearer so do not miss the chance to see the line up in person!

Everyone continues to be so understanding and patient on the roads and the donations on the road just keep coming!

To everyone who was at the party last night your generosity was amazing, Thank you!!!!

Well it is gone midnight and there is a long day ahead tomorrow! I shall add some more photos asap!

Night everyone and Tractor Love!

xxx Jenny

After a wonderful evening between the girls and our back up crew we all went for a little drive up the road to Skeldale show, where we collected and looked around, as well as having some fun while we were there.

We went and visited the Northern branch of the MND Association stand.

Louise and Jaime swapped the tractors for a go on a bucking bronco! They stayed on for a good while to!!! Lots of interest in the tractors at the show with Paul using the time to do some maintenance. Most of the girls went off to see the horses well others sold raffle tickets and every TG2010 took the time to talk to the public about the trip so far and really enjoyed some time off from driving.

As we pulled out the show site the John Deere ground to a halt….. no fuel, so being the supportive friends we are Jaime and I flew by on the Massey 35’s and into the lead!!! Hooray for the Masseys!!!! Catherine was towed to the fuel station and filled up within the half hour.

Whilst driving along with Jaime and enjoying leading the pack I turned around to wave at her and noticed a flashing light coming through the tunnel of trees behind us, like a shark every time I turned around the tractor was closer and closer it was Catherine on the John Deere!!! As Jaime and I tried to hold on to the lead Catherine’s grin widened!!! Jaime graciously pulled over to let her pass but I held on wishing a hill to be around a corner so that me and the massey could at least try to hold onto the lead, I turned around again and there was the front grill of the John Deere launching forward with ease and into the lead leaving me and Jaime behind! We had the lead and we lost it! Sad times!!

From there we pressed on with the mileage ahead of us to John Cornthwaite’s of Garstang.

It was busy roads but the long day was seriously rewarded by the mammoth party organised by John and his Family in our honour! On driving up to John’s pink balloons lined the hedgerows with people waving and really greeting us! Everyone was out and the party atmosphere was apparant as soon as we pulled in the yard, pink everywhere, just what I like to see! Cars waiting to take us for showers we were back within the hour and ready to show the locals how to party TG2010 style.

 Approximately 400 people attended and it was a brilliant night! Such a party atmosphere with everyone supporting our charities and what we are doing! We danced the night away and really let our hair down, everyone was so friendly and with a dj willing to play any track we were in our element!!!

We will definatly need a lay-in in the morning….. but it is Sunday!

A fabulous night with brilliant people! Thank you a thousand times over for showing your support to TG2010!!!!! Over half way now and honestly still loving every minute of the trip!

Tractor Love! xxx

Another early start, however luckily the rain had subsided!

From Lockerbie we drove to Longtown Market, however before the market we crossed the border and were back in England. Scotland was breathtaking and very beautiful, Thank you to everyone who made it so special we have a very long list of thank you letters to write when we get home and have made many new friends along the way! It now feels we are one the home stretch as we approach half way! Catherine stripped off her waterproofs to reveal a full England strip ready for the border photos which caused a good laugh!

We also travelled through Gretna Green but sadly no marriages! Upon arrival at Longtown a refreshing tea break had been laid on and after a quick refuel we were off on our way again! There were also three gorgeous puppies on show so we stayed slightly longer then planned but with such great company it was hard to leave.

We then went to the Carisle/ Boaderway Market and did a collection and while there went to the Massey Ferguson Depo and John Deere where Catherine had work done on her tractors and the Massey Tractor Girls were given lots of donations and overalls! It was great fun and thank you to everyone for being such fun and helpful!!

We arrived early evening in Penrith, the tractors are being housed at Askham Motors on Gilwilly Industrial Estate. We had some well wishers greet us who I had spoken to earlier in the day. We stayed in fabulous B&B’s and went out for a lovely meal all together, another enjoyable sunshine filled with laughs and tractor driving.

The collecting is going well and I am so proud of all the girls!

Tractor Love xxxxxx

Day Five

Hello Tractor Girl Followers!!

We met in the yard early, put on full waterproofs, which we needed as it rained all day!! It only subsided when we had lunch and did a collection at the Lanark Cattle Market. We were then treated to a guided tour of Clyde’s Veternary Centre by Andrew McDiarmid.

Claire’s fan belt broke, the rain was so bad but all the girls pressed on and completed the day. It was so bad at times we could not see with our glasses on or off! Thank goodness for our waterproofs, thank you Pete at Western Workshops back in Dorset for getting them for us, they are keeping us dry and as warm as possible. The scenery is still very pretty, especially when the mist descends over the hills. Very kind of the lorry drivers who slowed down to not spray us when they drove through all the water on the roads! We had a few who did not but that made for good laughs at the end of the day!

The support vechicles are vital in this weather to highlight to other road users and buffer the traffic. Everyone is so patient! It is so appreciated!

My tractor needed new fuel and air filters, I noticed over the past two days the tractor kept slowing down and mine really does fly along usually. Being on a tractor for eight hours plus a day really allows you to get a feeling for the machine and you don’t need to be a mechanic to know when something is wrong!

On arrival we went straight to accomodation for a hot shower and dry clothes. HEAVEN!

We had a very enjoyable evening and wonderful bbq with our hosts near Lockerbie: Jock, Wendy and Lorna thank you for your kind hospitality and to David Hyslop for arranging the accommodation.

I apologise for the shortness of this blog but really it was all about getting our heads down and pressing on in the rain!

Tractor Love

Jenny