Tractor Drivers Get In The Pink

Eastern Daily Press, Monday 2nd July 2007

A convoy of tractors rumbled through Norfolk yesterday decked out in pink party balloons and fairy wings.

At the helm of the 105 tractors that set off from Airfield Farm in Topcroft, near Long Stratton, were ladies dressed up in pink cowboy hats and uniforms raising money for Cancer Research UK's breast cancer research.

As they set off the women drivers held on tight as they bounced across the churned up field, some more confident than others and one throwing up her arms as her tractor revved wildly.

Tractors old and new, some spewing smoke from rattling exhausts, others giving their drivers the luxury of air conditioned cabs and stereos, completed the 21-mile round trip to Gawdy Hall, Redenhall, near Harleston.

The annual event, now in its fourth year, was organised by Annie Chapman of the Suffolk and Norfolk branch of the David Brown Tractor Club.

She said: "It's great to have so many entries, people are drawn to this event because it is something completely different.

"A lot of these ladies will have never driven tractors before and it is a bit of a learning curve for them to get to grips with.

"All we asked of the decorations was that they were to be magnificent and they have really come up with the goods, it is wonderful."

She said the numbers had grown each year and this year a couple had travelled up from Dorset to take part.

Lisa Carman, of Fressingfield, near Harleston, said it was her fourth year taking part. "It is my father's tractor and I'm nervous because each year I forget how to drive it," she said.

"But it is overwhelming when you drive into Harleston and see the people lining the road and you know it's for such a good cause."

The event has already raised more than £60,000 over the years and is expected to drum up a record amount this year with the high number of entries.

Anyone who wants to contribute towards the final amount should contact Mrs Chapman on 01379 676324.

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