Tractor Run set for one last stand

The couple behind the fantastic Illuminated Tractor Run which has lit up our pre-Christmas activities over the past three years, says it will end after one last hurrah this December.

Jenny and Kevin Clarke said they have “loved” creating and running the event which has raised thousands of pounds for farming-based charities from its three editions.

But last night Jenny told MyWelshpool that December 8 will be the last one, simply conceding that the amount of time and effort it takes is impacting family life.

Having started it as there was no tractor run in the area for their son to watch, it has gone on to become the biggest in Powys, with one event attracting 210 tractors, but with volunteers harder to come by, and organising taking up most of the year, we’re set for “hopefully the biggest illuminated tractor run yet” to bring the curtain down.

“Organising an event this size starts early in the year and eats into a lot of our family time and with personal circumstances changing too, it’s becoming harder to keep on top of it all,” said Jenny.

“We would rather be able to enjoy the organising without it becoming a chore so with that in mind we feel we can enjoy one more year of organising and then we can enjoy other illuminated tractor runs in and around the area, knowing we can relax!

“We decided this year would be the last, as over the last 3 years it’s become increasingly difficult to arrange, and with less and less volunteers each year, it becomes harder to keep it a safe event.

“This will be our fourth year and we wanted to make this year’s the biggest and best and hopefully go out on a high and raise as much money for FCN (Farming Community Network).

“Having raised thousands of pounds for the charities in previous years, we are very proud of what we have achieved.”

Jenny said it is the right time “to hang up our organisational hats” but wanted to issue a final rallying call for this December’s swansong.

“We are very thankful to everyone who has supported the events over the past few years, and to all our volunteers and sponsors, and we hope people will come out to support us one more time on Sunday, December 8, for hopefully the biggest illuminated tractor run yet!” said Jenny.