THE town Llanwrtyd Wells came out in force to support the 10th running of the Welsh National Tractor Road Run earlier this month.
Held on Sunday, June 16, in aid of charity, local farmer Evan Lewis and his team of Dai Roberts, Jim and Sandra Davies, from the Llanwrtyd Wells Tractor Enthusiasts, took up the gauntlet to organise the event.
They had chosen to support the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and Cancer Research Wales in their fundraising efforts.
The concept of the Welsh National Tractor Road Run is the brainchild of vintage enthusiasts and brother and sister John and Anne Bates, from Rhayader, and the run has raised over £50,000 for charities and good causes since it started a decade ago.
Nearly 200 people took part in the event, coming from as far away as Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and was also well supported by local tractor run enthusiasts.
Evan welcomed everyone on behalf of the Llanwrtyd Wells Tractor Enthusiasts before asking co-founder John to say a few words about the history of the run.
Llanwrtyd county councillor Peter James also spoke, as well as Brecon and Radnorshire AM James Evans and Liz Rees from RABI. After the speeches the raffle was drawn and a commemorative cap, shirt and jacket was auctioned off to the highest bidder, then it was everyone to their tractors.
David Micah of Llandrindod Wells on his David Brown 850. (Image: Anne Bates)
The decorated Deutz of Meredydd Evans of Cynghordy. (Image: Anne Bates)
Evan, on his trusty Ford 3000, bedecked with Welsh Dragons, led the trundling procession off from the start field, loaned by Gwyn Protheroe, along Ffoss Road into Llanwrtyd.
Local PCSO Gareth Price directed the convoy into the main square which was lined with cheering and waving locals.
A special mention for the most decorated tractor must go to Meredydd Evans, of Cynghordy, who had adorned his Deutz with balloons and bunting bringing a smile to all who saw it.
The tractors toured the surrounding communities of Cefn Gorwydd, Tirabad, Llangammarch Wells and Garth towards the dinner stop on Cribarth Common. After refreshments and taking in the views over Eppynt and the Irfon Valley, it was off through Llanafan Fawr, Beulah and Abergwesyn before heading back down the Irfon Valley to Llanwrtyd and the finish.
The Llanwrtyd Wells Tractor Enthusiasts would like to thank the participants, the local community and local businesses for supporting their fundraising efforts.
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