The ninth running of this event took place on September 30th-October 1st at the picturesque Burley Park, in the heart of Hampshire’s New Forest. It was just a quick hop over the county border for me, and it was great to see so many different tractors from those that typically attend events in Dorset.

There were over 300 exhibits across all classes at this two-day event, including vintage and classic tractors. The Best Tractor award was won by Stephen Wiseman with his Massey Ferguson 35 and his own ‘Wiseman sweeping machine’. There were, of course, plenty of tractors from the blue family on show with these, and everything else, being enjoyed by more than 3,000 visitors.

All profits raised at the show were donated in support of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, so it was a win-win situation; a great show helping a worthy cause.

Event founder and chairman Jon Narey thanked all the sponsors and volunteers, and the current expectation is that the total raised for the Air Ambulance will be about £3,500. John Maiden. Dorset & Hants. rep.

We are uncertain when we first met Margaret Badham, but back in 2008, as representatives for Norfolk, we helped on the FFA’s stand at Malvern, and joined the committee in 2010. Margaret was always keen to welcome new blood into the club.

Coming from Shropshire, we instantly had something in common with her, and sometimes called in on our way to see family, over the years becoming good friends.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Margaret will recall the welcome received when attending shows, the insistence of a hot drink and an update on what had been happening in their respective families since the last meeting. Of course, a merchandise purchase was always encouraged, too!

Her death in September was a shock to us all, and events will never be quite the same without her. However, we have nothing but happy memories of the years we shared. We attended Margaret’s funeral in early October at Holy Trinity Church Bourton, near Much Wenlock, where Margaret was also christened and married. Friends, family and a good number of FFA members came to pay their respects to a woman who was loved and respected by us all.

Jane & Keith Broomhall, Norfolk FFA reps.