Jim's Tractor Run raises 'huge sum' for Hospice Hope from Sunday's event in and around Ashby

By Graham Hill

28th Jul 2021 | Local News

Jim's Tractor Run raised more than £2,000 for Hospice Hope thanks to what has been described as an 'unbelievable' turnout for the 10th running of the event.

The event was cancelled last year due to the Covid pandemic following on from the 2019 running being called off due to heavy rain.

But it returned on Sunday with large crowds gathering in Market Street to watch around 100 tractors and vehicles pass through the town.

The vehicles then went to Blackfordby and Norris Hill before arriving at the Bath Grounds for an afternoon Fun Day.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council leader, Councillor John Coxon expressed his delight at the success of the event.

Cllr Coxon said: "I am delighted that the people of the town really got behind Jim's Tractor Run and Family Fun Day and turned out in their thousands to enjoy the spectacle on the Bath Grounds and to make the most

of the fantastic weather.

"This was the 10th Anniversary of the event which had been cancelled in 2019 due to torrential rain and in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The parade of more than 100 tractors and vintage vehicles set off at 11.00am and made their way through Ashby de la Zouch Town Centre, progressing out to Norris Hill, through to Blackfordby and returning to Ashby's Bath Grounds for around 12 noon.

"The variety of vehicles created quite a spectacle for young and old alike, especially as they drove down Market Street.

"The vehicles were led onto the Bath Grounds by the Councillor Jim Hoult on his tractor wearing his

distinctive top hat."

Cllr Coxon added: "The popularity of this event is growing year on year, as it is something different for families to enjoy.

"Once the tractors and vintage vehicles parked up on the Bath Grounds, visitors enjoyed browsing the variety of stalls, having something to eat and listening to some music from Ronnie Radar, having a go at the archery and admiring the birds of prey.

"For youngsters a variety of children's rides, circus skills and craft activities were on offer, so really something for all ages."

Cllr Jim Hoult said: "It was a brilliant day and I would like to thank everyone who turned out to support the event.

"In particular I would like to mention Ian and Helen Evans of Roecliffe Farm, Leicester Road who every year allow us to assemble the tractors and vehicles at the farm for the start of the run.

"I would also like to thank all of the volunteers, especially from the local Rotary Clubs, who gave up their spare time to make the event such a success.

"It is unbelievable that such a huge sum (more than £2,000.00) was raised on the day for Hospice Hope and my thanks go to all those who contributed and donated."

Stewart Shepherd, Chairman of Hospice Hope, said: "We are overwhelmed by the support we have received through Jim's Tractor Run and we are absolutely delighted with the amount raised.

"It is a real testament to the generosity of the people of the town."

The event was free to enter, but donations were welcome to Hospice Hope, which was Cllr Hoult's chosen beneficiary for the day.