The Hare or the Tortoise? Who won the race?
Aveton Gifford’s annual classic car show had an added extra on Sunday; the launch of John Foale’s Tractor Run Project, supported by a McLaren 720s, leant to John by McLaren for the day. McLaren also provided their top test driver, Gareth Howell, so petrol-heads could experience the acceleration of a 200 mph supercar up AG hill. And, before you ask, of course speed limits were not broken! Crowds flocked into the car park of The Fisherman’s Rest, where they could view the McLaren alongside John Foale’s vintage tractor. John is a 74 year-old agricultural engineer who specialises in restoring vintage tractors and, between now and December, he will restore his 40 year-old tractor so that it looks pristine and is capable of running the nearly 1,000 miles, from John O’Groats to Land’s End, collecting money for the Air Ambulance as he goes. Normally, John can be found in one of only two places; either under a tractor covered in oil, or on his usual bar-stool in The Fisherman’s Rest. But on Sunday he was available to answer questions, about the project and his support for the Air Ambulance. Although, even he would probably admit that, on this day, the hare won the race. Come May 2020, it may be a different story! The support team would like to thank all who attended and donated to the DAAT. Particular thanks should go to McLaren for their generous...
Read MoreThe Tractor Run
John O’Groats to Land’s End on a vintage tractor, all in aid of the Air Ambulance You may look at this old tractor and think it’s going nowhere, and you’d be right. It needs new wheels, a new clutch, a new paint-job and a host of other things. But it does have two things going for it. To begin with, it’s British and all parts used to repair it will be reliably British-made. But the most important thing in its favour is it will have John Foale to put it into pristine condition. That’s him in the photo holding up the tractor. In May 2020, John, a 74 year-old agricultural engineer who specialises in restoring vintage tractors, will make the epic journey of nearly 1000 miles in this 40 year-old Leyland tractor, from one end of the country to the other, all in aid of the Air Ambulance. The whole project is being launched at the Aveton Gifford Classic Car Show on Sunday 25th August. Normally, John can be found in one of only two places; either under a tractor covered in oil, or on his usual bar-stool in The Fisherman’s Rest at Aveton Gifford. But on the 25th August he will be beside this old tractor, so please come along to the Car Show and talk to John; he’s quite friendly and he’d love to speak to you. You can find out about the tractor, about the journey to come and his devotion to the Air Ambulance. If you’d like to contribute to or sponsor the venture, please contact Martin at mh@martinhowell.co.uk. If there are any questions concerning this press release, or you’d like to help in any way, please contact: mike@foalevintagetractors.co.uk. If you’d like to interview John Foale, either before the Car Show or after, please contact keith@foalevintagetractors.co.uk, who will be happy to arrange...
Read MoreA Vintage Wedding
Always one to help out, John and one of his gleaming restorations were at hand to serve as wedding transport for Aveton Gifford village locals Steve and Maria at their wedding day in the...
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