Latest news and other ramblings...

23th November 2019

As the wet weather continues, the ground condition are not great for winter cultivation and drilling, the ground far too wet for heavy tractors and machinery, Chairman Edward Garner calls on his Massey Ferguson 135 and Ferguson Seed Drill to get the Job done

13th April 2018

Our 'Calendar Girls' presenting a cheque for £2250 to 'Cancer Research' at the AGM last night.

Another cheque for £2250 will be presented to 'Bedford Hospital Coronary Care Unit' next week.
Thats a huge £4500 raised for two worthy causes!!
Well done to all the girls involved in making and selling the calendars, as well as all those who purchased one and made donations.

7th November 2017

It is with sadness that we report the news that club member and former committee member, John Kilgour passed away peacefully at home on Friday 27th October.

John was a lecturer in Agricultural Engineering at Silsoe college. He was well known in the preservation world and often seen exhibiting his own built steam powered vehicles Spider mk1 & mk2.
John did a lot for our club over the years serving on the committee for many of them. He was always willing to help others and pass on his knowledge.

12th August 2017

A successful and fun day was had by all today on the summer road run. Starting from the Greyhound pub in Haynes we went on to the Compasses in Greenfield via Wrest Park in Silsoe. Next stop was in Hexton where you could choose between a pint at the Raven or a Cream Tea at the Lavender tea rooms. All back to Haynes tonight where some members are eating at the pub then camping in the field next door over night.

13th April 2017

Our club AGM was held this evening. Ed Garner was re-elected as Chairman. There have been some minor changes to the committee. Clive Woodcraft has stepped down as Membership Secretary, and we thank him for all of his hard work. Our new promotional boards were on display for the members to view.

28th December 2016

Today was our Christmas Road Run. We left from a foggy and frosty Hill Farm in Haynes. A grand day was had by all.

9th December 2016

Last night was our Christmas Quiz Night. The quiz was won by Max's Mixers. A fabulous spread was put on by Mandy too!

12th November 2016

Chairman Ed is fundraising for the Alzheimer's Society by driving his Massey Ferguson 135, 135 miles in one day! Click on the picture for more details if you would like to sponsor him.

14th September 2016

Thanks to Chairman Edward for his interesting talk given at our club evening last night.

26th September 2016

Another fantastic working rally held this weekend. Brilliant weather for our 40th Anniversary. Thanks to all exhibitors for making it a truly special weekend. One of the highlights was the Saunderson tractor ploughing with a Saunderson plough.

15th August 2016

A big thank you to everyone that made the weekend possible; helpers, drivers, venue, etc.
We hope everyone had a great time.

11th August 2016

The Road Run route map for the weekend has been released!

9th May 2016

***'At Home With Shuttleworth' July 16th.***

Our club has been invited to exhibit at the Shuttleworth Collections agricultural themed show being held at one of their summer flying days.

We would like to put on a display showing tractors through the ages with exhibits from all decades up to 2000's.

15th April 2016

The club's Annual General Meeting was held last night. Ed Garner was re-elected as Chairman, Marcus Billington as Treasurer, Mark Wheeler as Secetary and Clive Woodcraft as Membership Secretary. The committee members can be seen on our 'About our Club' page. Thanks go to Richard Warboys, who has stepped down from the committee.

The photograph competition was won by Pam Simms.

Junior of the Year shield was presented to Emily Woodcraft.

23rd January 2016

Les King passed away last night, 22nd January. Les was a great supporter of club events for around 30 years and would always happily share his knowledge of vintage and classic tractors with a friendly smile.

28th December 2015

Thanks to Ray Gibbins for organising his last ever Winter Road Run for the Ouse Valley Club. We had amazing weather and a huge turn out of many tractors. We set off from Hartwell Farm in Cranfield and followed a scenic route taking in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Soup and sandwiches were provided at the Cock Inn at North Crawley. We finished back at the farm for the raffle. If you think you can step into Ray's shoes for next year's run, please speak to a member of the committee.

Chairman Ed's presentation to Ray

10th December 2015

Thanks to Mandy and the catering team for tonight's Christmas Party buffet. A great turnout and a good time was had by all. Happy Christmas everyone.

1st October 2015

The annual working rally was a huge success, and despite a wet week, the sun shone on us from Thursday through to packing up day on Monday. I was told that, 'The sun always shines on the righteous', so it must be true! There were many exhibits including a guest appearance of Paul Walsh's heavy horses. For more photos, please see our gallery.

23rd August 2015

Clive Woodcraft has been turning his hand to creating the club a new Facebook page. Please note that our old group will be shut down on 31st August 2015. See the link to the right of the page.

1st August 2105

Club members are busy prepping for the club rally.

Clive is sorting out signs, and Ed is making bales for seating around the ring. The wheat is cut ready for threshing. And Sue is looking for help to man the gates. If anyone can offer any assistance with anything, get in touch with us via the contact form....

11th April 2015

The Annual General Meeting was held this week. We are pleased to welcome Emily Walker onto the committee. The rest of the committee remain the same as last year. The photograph competition was judged by Darren Bunker. Congratulations to all winners.

21st March 2015

JUST ANNOUNCED!

Beginners Guide to a ploughing match

Saturday 11th April 2015

Pine Tree Field, Clophill Road, Maulden,

at the junction of Green End Lane

Demonstrations of trailed and mounted ploughing.

No tractors needed, the event is just for spectators,

and for people wanting tips and advice on ploughing.

28th December 2014

It was a crisp and sunny day today for the Christmas Tractor Road Run. It started from Loves Farm, Loves Lane, Ashwell. The route took in Eyeworth, Water End, Guilden Morden, Shingay, Abington Pigotts, Steeple Morden, Ashwell

11th December 2014

Everyone had a brilliant time at the OVTC Christmas Party. Thanks to Amanda Pirks and helpers for all the food! See photos of the night in our galleries.

3rd November 2014

We lost a very dear friend of the OVTC on 3rd November 2014. Donald Bowler passed away and will be very sadly missed by us all.

Donald organised our monthly club meetings and our special club visits. He edited our club newsletter, and commentated at our Haynes Rally.

25th September 2014

Prize winners at our rally, presented by Chairman Edward Garner:

21st September 2014

Lots of lovely comments about our rally held at the weekend:

'Little 'n' Loud minis had a great time at the show over the weekend, thanks to the organisers and everyone involved, we will be back next year, enjoyed by all !!!' - Luke Savage

'A Great OVTC Rally this weekend. I thank all those of you who helped on the gate . You all did a grand job.' - Sue Anderson

'Had a great time at Haynes working weekend well done to all who put the event on, nice easy friendly weekend.' - Kevin Edwins

Ampthill and Woburn District Scout Fellowship have had a good weekend yet again selling our tea and cakes, Many thanks for inviting us again this year! - Phil Thorogood

7th September 2014

Cheque presentation at the Cock pub in Broom, from Clive Woodcraft's successful Road Run

7th August 2014

This weekend (weather permitting) we are hoping to cut some wheat with the binder for threshing at the rally. The wheat is in Stotfold near the Mill. Anybody able to lend a hand stooking for a couple of hours would be appreciated. Contact us using the on-line form, or via Facebook and we will keep you updated with times etc

5th August 2014

Congratulations to our new Membership Secretary on organising his first ever road run. A fabulous time had by all who attended, and lots of money made for his chosen charity, Addenbrookes Hospital. Well done, Clive!

27th May 2014

Today is our Chairman, Ed Garner's birthday.

Here are some snaps from his birthday run at the weekend:

21st May 2014

Silsoe & District Young Farmers Tractor Run
Sunday 13 July

at College Farm, Lower Gravenhurst MK45 4HJ
Meet 11am

GALLERY NOW AVAILABLE TO VIEW!

5th May 2014

Making a new home....

3rd May 2014

Club members seen at the Rushden Cavalcade. Any more photos?

29th April 2014

Some words of interest from Club Meetings Organiser, Donald Bowler

Cowslips & Honey Tankers

For a week every June, my wife Jane & I go on holiday on a Narrowboat, of which 2 of our friends have a weeks share. It needed some work doing on it so on the last Sunday in April we went to help them move it by 1 lock and seven miles to a boatyard. The area of Northamptonshire where the boat is based has lots of grassland with beef cattle and sheep quietly grazing. It was amazing how different the fields looked in late April compared to the 2^nd week of June. What really amazed me was the number of cowslips that were growing in several small field ridge and furrow grass field near the boatyard.

I was quite enthralled and amazed by their presence. I assume that the fields have not been reseeded for many years, and that the fields receive little, if any, nutrition, apart from manure from the animals that will be grazing on them in months to come. I have sent a couple of photos to Annamarie for putting on the web site.

When we reached our destination I went to have a chat with Trixie, who has a very important job. When you are on the canals, rather I suspect like when one is staying in a caravan on dry land, you try and “go” elsewhere, but there are the times when you are in your pyjamas that one wants to “go” near to. The toilets on most boats on the canals are of the pump out, rather than cassette, type, so you need to find a suck-out place. Trixie pulls the honey tanker at Union Canal Carriers at Braunston. Trixie was waiting patiently, waiting for her next big job. Donald.

17th April 2014

The club's Annual General Meeting was held last week on 10th April 2014.

Edward Garner was elected as the club's new Chairman.

Mark Wheeler was voted in as secretary, and Clive Woodcraft as Membership secretary.

Outgoing committee members were thanked.

Cup Shields were presented

Non-committee member - Gordon Coles

Junior Shield - Jake Allen

Photograph Competition

Was won by Ken Robinson for the second year running.

3rd February 2014

Clive Woodcraft asks,

'Who has tractor ish items they would like to sell in a charity auction?

Anything from an old Fergie spanner to a complete tractor.
Set your own reserve price, sellers premium on a donation basis in aid of Addenbrookes hospital'.

Message via the on-line form if you are interested, or see Clive at a club meeting.

Clive is hoping to hold the auction at the summer road run.

1st February 2014

Date for Calendars:

Bedfordshire Young Farmers Ploughing Match 2014
Hosted by Silsoe YFC

This will be on SUNDAY 5th October at Stanford Bury Farm, Shefford, Beds by permission of J Parrish & Son.

16th January 2014

2013 Haynes Working Rally Report in the Winter 2013 Caterpillar Link magazine.

Also available to read on our Facebook page.

13th December 2013

Great night at the club Christmas party last night.

Thanks to Carol Durham for the food, and the generous donation of prizes for the raffle. Merry Christmas everyone!

8th December 2013

2013 Haynes Working Rally Report in December 2013 Blue Force Magazine:

Also available to read on our Facebook page.

12th November 2013

Now available - DVD of 320 photos taken by Ken Robinson at Haynes Rally 2013.Just £5 each. Available at club meetings.

28th May 2013

Sadly the July road run has had to be cancelled, due to unforeseen circumstances.

20th April 2013

A request from Finland....

'Hello
I'm Jari from Finland and looking for a steering box for AC model ED 40.
Any suggestions or hints ?'

I have Jari's email address if anyone can help?

11th April 2013

AGM

Congratulations to Ken Robinson. Winner of tonight's photograph competition. 2nd place was Geoff Scott-Coomber, and third place Marcus Billington.

20th March 2013

CANCELLED

It is with great regret that the 5th Annual Ploughing March at , Segenhoe Manor, Ridgmont on 24th March 2013 has been CANCELLED due to the extremely wet ground conditions.

Please pass this on to anyone who may have been intending to go



16th March 2013

Entries are now closed for the Ploughing Match. There are 115 competitors, including 4 pairs of horses. Tractors ploughing include 1932 Lanz Bulldog, 1927 Fordson F on steel wheels, Caterpillar D2, Howard Platypus, Bristol 10 Crawlers, 4WD Roadless Major, and a Belgian-made EVA 6 Cylinder Ford 5095

15th March 2013

We had an interesting talk at the club meeting last night, all about the history of Marshall tractors. The talk was given by Peter Anderson. Also available for the first time were the new club fleeces, priced at £18.50 each.

27th February 2013

The date for our St Judes Farm, Haynes working rally has moved BACK a week to Sat/Sun 28/29 September 2013

15th February 2013

A very interesting talk was given to club members last night by Colin Holwell all about Allis Chalmers tractors. It was great to see so many gentlemen there on Valentine's night, considering that they should have really been taking their wives and girlfriends out to dinner.....

4th January 2013

£500 made on the day of the road run. Well done to Ray and thanks to everyone who contributed.

28th December 2012

A great day had by all at the Annual Road Run. See the photos in the gallery. Thanks to Ray Gibbins for organising, and to the Garner family for letting us take over Hill Farm, Haynes. Lunch stop at The White Horse was excellent and the mushroom soup, sandwiches and chips went down a treat.

24th December 2012

Merry Christmas to all members and visitors to our website.

We are pleased to announce that our 37th Working Vintage Rally will be held on Sat/Sun the 21st & 22nd September 2013 at St Judes Farm, Haynes, Bedfordshire, MK45 3QR, just off the A6, and about 5 miles south of Bedford, by Kind Permission of The Simms Family.

The special theme for 2013 will be Fordson, Ford and their Conversions. There will be a special area in the middle of the field for Blue Force to display its members exhibits and the Blue Force stand will be present (see our Events page for further details).

10th December 2012

OVTC gets International recognition. Here is a message received on our contacts form:

Your tractor club page (http://www.ovtc.org.uk/useful-links/) is a great resource! I oversee a community youth program and we're in the middle of collecting material for a rural history guide we're putting together. A couple of the young men in my group have taken special interest in classic and antique tractors, and found your reference page very helpful. I just wanted to extend our many thanks for the great info!

They suggested I pass along another article they found helpful:
"The History of the Tractor"
http://www.asapmotors.com/antique-engines-the-history-of-the-tractor.html

I thought this was a nice suggestion and I know the group would be thrilled to see their recommendation added to your page, please let me know what you think!
Thanks very much and happy holidays! :)

Cheryl Lawson


21st November 2012

Had a great night with Silsoe Young Farmers. Chairman Keith, Marcus, Sarah and Annamarie gave a short talk about the club and a fun quiz at Gravenhurst Village Hall.

36th Working Rally, St Judes Farm, Haynes, 22-23 September 2012

Thanks to the Simms family for once again allowing the club to use their field for the annual rally.

Awards 2012

Club member giving outstanding service - RON KING

The CH Shaw & Sons Youth Challenge Shield - JAMIE KING

Best Tractor - CORIN HARRIS (1930 International 22-36)

Best Working Exhibit - NEIL TINGEY (Blackstone Mill)

Best Stationary Engine - ALAN GRAY (1940 1 1/2hp Ruston Hornsby PB)

Best Commercial - ALAN HUCKLE (1954 Buckdale Bedford Leyland Martian)

Best Car - RAY HAMMOND (1946 Wolseley 18/85hp)

Special Display - EDWARD GARNER (Ferguson Display)