Vehicles make tracks for vintage show
Shropshire tractor fanatics will be joined by others from across the country as they bring dozens of their vehicles to the 30th annual Shropshire Vintage Show in Shrewsbury this weekend.
Every year, the two day vehicle extravaganza, which has its roots in the farming community, celebrates a featured tractor and this year it’s the turn of British make Ford & Fordson.
Geoff Lamb, who has been a member of the Mid Shropshire Vintage Club, the group behind the show on Saturday and Sunday at the Shropshire/Greenhous Showground, for many years, has around 50 tractors, including Ford & Fordson models and will be showcasing some at the show.
Fordson was a brand name of tractors and trucks used on a range of mass-produced general-purpose tractors manufactured by Henry Ford & Son from 1917 to 1920.
Vintage Show chairman, Richard Haynes, said: “Between 1917 and 1922, the Fordson was for tractors somewhat like what the Ford Model T was for automobiles. It captured the public's imagination and widely popularised the machine, with a reliable design, a low price affordable for workers and farmers, a widespread dealership network, and a production capacity for large numbers.
“Just as the Model T helped the public to appreciate how soon cars and trucks might replace most horses in transport, the Fordson helped people to appreciate how soon tractors might replace most horses in farming."
As well as dozens of the historic tractors being on display from collectors all over the UK – the event also features vintage cars, military machinery, motorbikes, lorries, steam engines, camper vans and even shire horses and the Pony Club.
There will also be tractor pulling, Ashley’s steam-powered gallopers, Magic Kev, juggling acts, a funfair, face painting, a model railway and Go-kart party, as well as food and refreshments.
As with every year, there will be an auction of vintage machinery and tools by H J Pugh & Sons and this will take place on Saturday at 10.30am.
Advance tickets have been frozen at last year’s prices and can be bought in advance for £8, by visiting www.midshropshirevintageclub.com
Tickets can also be purchased on the gate and are priced at £10 for adults and entry is free for under 16s.
