Those of you who visited us liked our new marquee and it was even pleasant enough to sit outside with a cup of tea at times - not bad for November.  Many members' tractors were in the Feature marquee and elsewhere rather than on the FFA stand however the prize shelf was not bare as Margaret Badham won 'The best tractor entered by a lady' with her lovely little 1942 Fordson N industrial.

Click here for full report

You will all be planning which shows you are going to attend this year and I must mention a few that deserve serious consideration.

The season gets off to a cracking start with Tractor World at Malvern, you have probably read that Kelsey have franchised the running of this to Mark Woodward - "Concentrating on Their Core Business" is what I believe it is called in modern business speak. He tells me that he has lots of new ideas so the layout will be changed.  It had got a bit tired recently so a new broom is no bad thing.  Looking at his list of events it is plain that Mark is seriously into 'Autojumbles' so that could really add an interesting dimension.

All those who have put on their entry forms that they will be placing their tractors with us will receive a laminated 'Log Sheet' for their tractor when they arrive.  If you forgot to specify that you want to be with us please let Keith Broomhall know he can be contacted on 01379 677866 (after 8.00 p.m.).  If he is out leave a message but do give your entry and contact details.

The show had its debut last year and was a great success. I gather that there will be major improvements to the layout this year and that one idea is to put tractors of the same make together rather than artificially separate them by 'Clubs'.  I have to say this makes sense to me as the paying public are interested in the tractors not petty politics!  This does not mean that we shall not have a stand, we will and members will, as always, be very welcome to come and have a chat, a cup of tea and a seat .

The show was very well attended last year and the Pre-1930's tractor section was simply not to be missed.  Once again put Ford & Fordson on your entry sheet and we will bring a laminated 'Log Sheet' for you.

Please let Keith Broomhall know, he can be contacted on 01379 677866 (after 8.00 p.m.).  If he is out leave a message but do give your entry and contact details.

This is a splendid site and Roger Ingham, the FFA ploughing director, together with our stalwarts Derek & Margaret Badham will be manning the FFA stand there, the theme is Ford & Fordson tractors and Ransomes ploughs.  Many of you will remember our Expo held in 2007 on this site, which was a huge success.  I know that some of our more 'Northern' members complain that we don't do anything North of Watford but that just isn't true, as you will see next years AGM is near York; so get your Newby Hall entries in early and enjoy. Details from Roger Ingham on 01937531532 or from the website in due time.

Click here to view YVA website & to Download your 2013 Entry Forms

Just a reminder for those that have not been to this one yet, it will be our third year with an FFA stand. The number of members attending grows each year and we have again been promised our own ring parade.  This is personally one of my favourite rallies.  By the way it no longer clashes with Annie Chapman's 'Pink Ladies' run.

Click here to view FMPS website for more details

This years Expo IX will be held at Welland. There was a report in last months magazine, it is a splendid rally so if you don't normally go give it a try. There will be more about this in the next magazine.

Click here to view website for more details

It is always difficult to find a suitable venue as the distance members have to travel is obviously a major factor determining their attendance.  Your Committee always tries to find somewhere with an interesting display or some other attraction of interest to members.  This has to be coupled with an affordable cost for the venue and catering, together with reasonable access - not easy, as I'm sure you will agree.  The only practical way is to move the venue around the country and we have held them in the South for arguably too long, so this year we are going to 'The Yorkshire Museum of Farming" at Murton near York.

The date will be 27th October, put a note in your new diaries now!  I'm told that it is a fascinating venue and why not make a weekend of it, there are lots of other attractions in the area not least The National Railway Museum in York.

Click here to view NRM website

I must say that Bill Best, Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway owner, made us very welcome and the extent of the engineering work preserving the steam locomotives that is done 'in house' was a real eye opener, as one member put it to me this must be "The Worlds Best Train Set". 

Click here for full report

Conrad Hopkins presenting Max Cherry with the Guest Champion Shield

Click here for full report

Just to advise that our Working Weekend has been postponed by one week to the 16th and 17th March 2013.

 The venue has been confirmed as the Military Road (A3055) between Brook and Brighstone on the Isle of Wight.All proceeds to charity. Note that this event will be in it's fifth year.This is of course subject to weather and conditions which at the moment are looking pretty grim. Still we can hope….!

 Best Regards F.F.A Isle of Wight Area Rep: David Lemonius

I.O.W Charity Road Run:

Saturday 29th December in aid of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Despite a forecast of force 9 winds and heavy rain write's David Lemonius a hardy bunch of some 26 classic tractor enthusiasts turned out for the Inaugural Festive Road Run.

Click here for full report

To be held on 8th & 9th June at 

Newby Hall & Gardens, Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE.

Roger Ingham is going to man the FFA stand here, on his home soil. He is organising a Fantastic Theme for this event of :

"Ford and Fordson Tractors and their Ploughs"

Come and meet the 2012 FFA Ploughing Champions section -  Improve youre ploughing section -

Q and A Clinic on ploughing problems.

This looks to be a great event is well worth putting into your 2013 events diary.

If you have any information or can help Roger Ingham, please email / phone him and let him know.

His details can be found on the Contact Us section of website

More details on website & FFT magazine in the near future.

Click on image below to see large view.

Click on image below to see large view.

You will find these in our FFA Store on the website and of course they can be purchased from the FFA marquees & Reps that  display at the many shows we attend.

FFA New Secretary 

Rob Rushen-Smith announced at the AGM his intention of retiring next year. 

Rob has been involved with the Club since it’s formation and many will fondly remember him and his wife Rosie at Expos and rallies. I know you will all wish to join with me in thanking him for his work over the years and wishing him well in the future; they will both be missed.

As a result, we are looking for a secretary to replace Rob during the next twelve months. This would ideally be someone interested in our hobby who is able to attend roughly three or four committee meetings a year, take minutes and write the occasional letter and pass members queries onto the appropriate person. 

The Secretary is an important officer of the Club and the role not as onerous as it might sound. Anyone who is interested please contact any committee member or myself and have a chat. 

FFA / DVLA TRACTOR REGISTRATION OFFICER

Anthony Patten who has been recognised by the DVLA as the Club's authorised signatory for the V765 scheme, to assist members to register their tractors.

 He is accredited by the DVLA, has an excellent track record and gives exceptional value for money.

Members £16.00

Non-members £26.00

Click here for more details

Northern - Southern & Dutch Ploughing Match Results and Reports just in and added to

 PLOUGHING 2012 on the website.

Our thanks go out to Roger Ingham - FFA Northern Ploughing / Henry Castle & Conrad Hopkins - FFA Southern Ploughing & Jarich Hibma & Greard Schoenmakers - Dutch FFA Ploughing.

With out the help and effort of these FFA Members there would be NO Ploughing Matches or Championships for you all to enjoy.

Based in Sudbury, Suffolk. They can supply new replacement tractor parts and vintage tractor spares and have been established on many generations of Agricultural experience and knowledge.

Click on above logo for more details of the 10% FFA Members dicount they are offering.

Last month we asked for contributions to feature on our website. It is your Club and members need to know what is happening in your part of the world.  Unless you take the trouble to tell us what you are up to in your area we are all missing out. "Come on" you can contact me Pat Pawsey.  "Let us know what your'e up to and we will publicise it."

You will find all my contact details on the Contact Us section of the website

Nick Battelle of Old 20 Parts has let us know that they also have their new 10 series catalogues available and due to their popularity at Malvern, Nick has made the Ford History Posters a stock item, only £6.00 + postage or email us your FFA membership number and receive 15% discount!

An A3 sized poster illustrating the continuing history of the Fordson and Ford Tractors.

They are also offering Ford & Fordson Association Members first chance to buy oil control rings to fit the E27N at a Members Special Price. They normally sell for  £9.50 but are being offered at £3.50+VAT.  They are offered on a “while stocks last basis” but if your engine uses too much oil or fouls the plugs this may well bean offer that appeals.

As from the beginning of February Our South East Representative Rodney Gibson & his wife Wendy will be taking over the FFA Merchandise. Their details together with "How to Order" your FFA Merchandise can be found on the FFA Store section of the website.

Tractor Parts & Suppliers, Paint, Bearings, Restoration, Painting of tractors, Shows & Events, Museums,Private collections, Mechanical, anything that our members would find enjoyable & helpful to them and their tractors.

Then why not be part of our FFA Sponsors Page.