For those with petrol tractors the new E10 petrol is now on garage forecourts, an increase of 10%

ethanol content as opposed to the previous E5 grade.  As this proposed increase has already been

covered those affected should look at the comprehensive recommendations and advice on the Federation

of British Vehicle Clubs web site.  In brief the FBHVC recommend the use of premium grade fuel and preservatives, but contrary to popular opinion they do not recommend draining the system. Their

reasoning for which is reprinted below:

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the current edition of the magazine and here is a first "Presidents Thoughts", a position

I am honoured to hold and have held since our very beginning, which means I am either good enough

or nobody else wants or has been found for the job. I am sticking with the first one till I am told anything else.

 

Recently I went to the Old Timer Rally near Ludlow in Shropshire. My interest was caught by the fact

they didn't want anything newer than 1945 and no modified, proper vintage only, and there was 6 first

world war models on display. I have nothing against modified as V8 perkins in E27N and V12 Jaguar in

T20 I do find interesting, but they do need a class of their own, otherwise the general public think they

are vintage restorations. As many of you know, I would put all 2 pack paint jobs in the same class as restoration, I think, is about restoring a tractor back to its original standard and if it was grey or red at

a factory in Coventry or blue or green in a Ford factory that's all it needed to be. I suspect differences would occur between suppliers, and what was available that particular week. That's my moan for now anyway.

 

There have not been any visits to club nights for 18 months so if any of our area reps want to put

something together in their area, talk to me as I have plenty of dates available for a film night with Old

Ford tractor films and a talk about each one. No charge and I travel to most places - been as far as

Australia for one visit - so most of the UK is not a problem. All you have to do is ask, my e-mail is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or phone is 01332 792698. It gives everyone a chance to keep in touch and have a

chat and any pub with a function room would welcome anyone after these current times. Locally we

are looking at tying in a road run from a pub with a chat a pint and a talk afterwards.

 

Another interesting project recently involved a magazine talking to Dad (Arthur Battelle) about his times

with Ford and Roadless and Farm Tractor Drives and Schindler 4wd conversions. Such a lot of what

they talked about I can remember as well as things like sitting in the front of Dad's Thames van at a

show while he drove the radio controlled Dexta round the ring. I also recall the first public showing of

the Roadless 115 1968ish, no cab and ploughing burnt stubble land. At the end of the day Dad, me and

a very shiny white/grey tractor were all very black and sooty, I don't recall mother's reaction when we

got home.

 

Finally, we have two more shows to visit this year. First will be the British Ploughing Championships at Mindrum in Northumberland, very close to the Scottish border.  A good run for us, never mind Wales,

Devon and Essex, but looking forward to seeing folks there in October and then, of course, in November

we can all meet up at Newark at which we will have the latest Old 20 shopping bag, so come and get

your hands on the 4th version and it will soon be Christmas all over again.

 

So please continue to stay safe and well and we can meet again soon: Nick.

 

 

 

 

This show is a rare treat for those fascinated by early tractors with only those dating from the very early years to the mid nineteen hundreds displayed; what an impressive turnout of tractors, stationary engines, commercials, cars and motorcycles.

 

Edward Price and Chris Tranter, the organisers, report that the event went very well with an increase in

gate numbers compared to the first time the event was run in 2019. Despite heavy rainfall at night, the

sun broke through each day resulting in an enjoyable weekend for the exhibitors and public. Financially

they can run the event again next year and have given donations to Macmillan Cancer Support and the

local church. Next year's date is the 6th and 7th of August. 

 

 

The FFA's stand was manned by Club stalwarts Derek and Margaret Badham, well known to you all, it

was really good to see them and so many friends again after such a long time.   FFA stand exhibits

included Nick Bryne's award winning 1927 Fordson F, Margaret Badham's lovely little narrow F and

John Sheppard's 1918 ladder sided model.  Paul Marsden's 1922 model, fitted with an interesting, opposed twin cylinder CLM diesel, unfortunately not running, completed the stands line up of F's.  And then,

for something completely different, Julie Browning's very special Ford Ferguson Moto Tug based on a Ford

2n that spent its working life on Miramar naval base in California; but then Julie always manages to "magic

a rabbit out of the hat!"

    

 

As with the first rally it was marvellous to see and hear vehicles running that one normally only sees in photos or as static display in a museum as they are driven around, providing a non-stop spectacle, a real treat.  I was particularly taken with Jonathan Boaz's 1935 cabbed Fordson N that had spent its working life

in the fens. Unfortunately, his brother, Nick, was absent this time, on harvest duties, but it's always good to catch up with friends.

 

 

 

 

A first outing for the FFA marquee this year and so good to meet up with friends and club members after

a very quiet 18-months. Congratulations to Bob Parke for his insistence that the show could go ahead

and for a weekend that provided something for the whole family whether interested in motor bikes, cars, commercials, tractors or not - with music, entertainment, a huge range of bygone and craft offerings, together with excellent food options. The event focuses on raising money for local charities, many of

which had a presence at the Show.

 

From the child's New Holland TM190 to the T5.120 (courtesy of Ernest Doe, North Walsham) the FFA

display also included examples of the 2000, Dexta, E27N, 'N', Super Major and Power Major. We

were delighted to be awarded 'Best Club Stand' as was Ian Prince for 'Best Implement' for his rear

mounted loader with sack lifting attachment on his Power Major.

 

Special features at the show were 75 years of the E27N (carried forward from 2020), 75 years of the Ferguson TEA20 (the little grey menace) and 60 years of the Jaguar E-type. The line-up of E27N's was a

true representation of the models, including both diesel and petrol/paraffin engine examples. Keith's E27N

L4, the only one at the show, was exhibited on the FFA stand. As our Ford Cargo truck was out of

action, Keith drove it the 32 miles each way, two and a half hours there and back through Norwich.

On arriving home, the usual comment came back - I am not doing that again!! But he always does.

A most enjoyable weekend with new memberships and merchandise sales at an encouraging level.

 

 

 

It is so pleasing to be able to report a welcome resumption of some activities down here in the West Country. Yes, we have had a large increase in visitors to our County and Cornwall, but we shouldn't

complain as at least their holiday money is being spent here rather than on some distant shore!! 

However, from what I hear, some of these visitors are not too nice at times and this behaviour is

most definitely not welcome!!  I am currently canvassing opinions about the possibility of holding

winter evening get-togethers at our usual venue of Whiddon Down Village Hall. As I write I have not

been overwhelmed with responses and coupled with a rather worrying spike in Covid cases, perhaps

we will have to review the situation later on in the year but watch this space.

 

We have had the Honiton, Mid Devon and Okehampton Shows being held but unfortunately due to

family commitments I was unable to attend the Honiton Show, but I hear from Edward Underdown that

it was a successful event. Because of Covid requirements, it was held over 2 days in early August with

4000 ticket sales allocated each day. However, Covid relaxation meant that ticket sales were being

allowed at the gate on the day. Despite a damp first day, there were 80 vintage tractors entered and

it was wet and muddy underfoot and sadly without a main ring parade. The second day was however

much better and Melanie Squires the NFU regional director was on hand to present the prizes in a

very professional and fun manner. Edward reports that although it was a lot of hard work, it was

worthwhile running the Show and the organisers were delighted that the Show went ahead and should

return to its one-day format next year. Edward's Ford 8100 and 7000 were 4th and 5th in class, Graham Farmer's pre-force 2000 was 4th in his class, one of his 2 lockdown projects, and not forgetting John Edwards' Fordson Major with mounted hedge cutter, a very interesting exhibit, all FFA members, very well done!

     

 

The Mid Devon Show went ahead on the 24th July, which was held in the grounds of Knightshayes,

the National Trust property on the outskirts of Tiverton. I did enquire some three weeks before the event

to ask if there was still space for another tractor entry only to be informed that they were full up. I

thought that was really encouraging in these uncertain times. The day itself was a tad miserable with intermittent drizzle but in spite of this I understand it was an enjoyable one.

 

I attended the Okehampton Show and thought it was a very successful day which I personally thoroughly enjoyed. The Showground is situated on a hillside above Okehampton and has a splendid view across to

a dominating Dartmoor as a background. Yes, it was different and there were a few gaps amongst the exhibitors and entries were down in some of the livestock sectors. But there was, however, a good attendance and a really positive buzz and attitude about the place and you felt that people were very

glad to be out and enjoying themselves. There was a good display of cars and tractors, but a few gaps

were disappointing and there were only a very few motorbikes. It is always impressive at Okehampton

when the main ring parade features all cars and tractors altogether and it does make a very exciting

and constantly moving visual display for spectators who line several deep around the ring to see it.

 

That's all for now. As I always say when I finish, keep well, take care, look after yourselves and your

families, KBO! Please do keep in touch:- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

 

the Mow"  

So named as it was held in the field of the Barley Mow public house in Colehill, Wimborne, Dorset.'

This event was supported and run by the Ford & Fordson Association with many F & F members

exhibiting.  Although the weather was not kind to us for the whole day, we saw many hundreds of

visitors mostly between 10am and 2pm.   Smiles from youngsters were in good supply with most

owners happy to let the kids climb aboard for a photo shot.

 

This was a free entry event for both visitors and exhibitors and a great time was had by all. A big

thank you to all the exhibitors especially those who, like myself got a little moist on the wet drive home.

Our thanks to our local Friends of Ferguson colleagues who provided the mini marquee which we were grateful for  in the latter part of the day.  John Maiden, Dorset area representative.

 

 

 

Ian West from Canada writes: 

 

As harvest season proper is gaining momentum here in Alberta, it's time to reflect on the year's events

or lack thereof and look forward to some semblance of normality down the road, whatever this entails.

As with the rest of the world, Covid 19 still dominates our lives here in Canada with the Delta variant accounting for the vast majority of cases, seemingly identifying with unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals in the main. Daily reports indicating incidence rates in excess of 900 last week dominate

the news and with schools opening shortly raises the possibility of lock downs once again.

 

Last time writing back in April, Spring was just starting after a very mild Winter with below average

snowfall and a resulting soil moisture deficiency all across Western North America. This situation did

not improve all Summer unfortunately, with total rainfall here in Central Alberta at a fraction of normal conditions resulting in significant reduced crop yield forecasts. However, we are fortunate in that farmers

can self insure against such impacts and also the ravages of hailstorms, underwritten by both Provincial

& Federal Government levels. Record high temperatures across Western Canada and USA have led to extreme fire hazards with British Columbia having at least 270 major fires raging with devastating consequences for forestry, tourism and Agriculture. Call it Climate Change, Global Warming or whatever

- a scientist I'm not, but the effects are certainly real worldwide. Additionally, for upwards of the past

30 years, with milder Winters, an additional contributor to an increase in forest fires through Western

Canada is as a result of Pine Beetle infestations, which over time decimate Pine forests and render wide tracts vulnerable to lightning strikes.

 

While vacationing in Vernon, British Columbia beginning of August, the greater area including Kamloops

was

at the epicentre of the largest fires raging in the Province with visibility down to about 1km., mountains barely visible and the pungent odour of smoke permeating everywhere as far afield as Ontario who were experiencing their own fires also. As of August 30, three significant fires in the greater Kamloops area

alone accounted for in excess of 2600 sq. kms lost.

 

Vintage events have been significantly reduced or non-existent for most of the Summer as a result of

the ongoing Covid pandemic. Surprisingly, the Calgary Stampede was allowed to happen in July, but at

a much reduced level which still included the Tractor Pull event but limited to less than 20 participants

which are selected by invitation only. Locally, a Tractor Pull event held in nearby Neerlandia attracted a

total of 45 participants. This included a petrol and a Power Major owned by well known Ford enthusiast

    

 

Terry Hanlon and also a Ford 800 series owned by Ken Connolly of Spruce Grove, Alberta. These three specimens were meticulously restored, performed admirably in their weight categories and are a credit to

the brand. Also, this month I had occasion to attend a vintage tractor and car show in the small

community of Mallaig, a 2 ½ hour drive North-East of Edmonton. The village of Mallaig, pop. approx..200

is best known for its annual Cancer support fundraiser called "Haying in the Thirties" which in its most

recent` August 2019 weekend event pre Covid, raised in excess of $265,000. This year's vintage show attracted 50 tractors and upwards of 75 cars and pick-up trucks. Unfortunately, only one, 8N Ford represented the brand, proudly shown by its 89-year-old owner, Clarence Smith ---- so a call out to

any Ford enthusiasts, please support your local communities however possible.

 

A few recent auction sale items of note during the Summer; 2 Ransomes crawlers, 1 with dozer attachment, Serial #81852, Sold @ $4700 plus 5% Buyer's premium. The other listed with PTO and adjustable hitch

Serial #5345, Sold @ $3800 plus 5% Buyer's premium. Another Auction sold the following tractors:

Ford 5600, in running condition, off farm (Fair only)-no year listed @ $7100, 1975 Ford 8600 with dozer

blade attachment AND a separate quick attach FEL (Rough Condition) @ $8300, Ford 3000 with seized

petrol engine (suspect parts tractor only) sold @ $1100. In addition, on these three units, a buyer's

premium of 10% was added. Petrol models of the Ford 2000 through 5000 range are quite common

here, particularly as in 1972 when I first came to Alberta, retail petrol prices were in the $0.094 / litre

with bulk farm prices even cheaper I'm sure. No doubt the easier starting feature of petrol versus

diesel during Winter months was a major consideration probably with petrol so cheap back then.

In closing, ironically as the article on my Ford 8600 appeared in the August/September issue I encountered

a cracked head problem on the tractor. Symptoms of what appeared to be a head gasket issue turned

out to be a crack inside #1 intake valve which allowed antifreeze to seep outwards when stationary

through the manifold gasket. This required a used cylinder head machining, complete with all new valves

and springs and thankfully-we're back in business. No apparent cause---perhaps-metal fatigue-porosity, after 12,000hrs.?

Any enquiries-Reach me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

 

It is very nice to attend some events that are starting up again, I recently attended the Pickering

Steam Rally at Scampston Hall near Malton in Yorkshire. Although billed as a steam rally there were

many tractors and farming type exhibits as well as the cars, commercials, tractor pulling etc in which

two FFA members had travelled all the way from Ayrshire to participate. It was very entertaining especially

in the dark with glowing exhausts, sometimes flames out of the top and as with a lot of Ford tractors

plenty of black smoke. I put my Ford 1210 16hp tractor on the sledge only to achieve the shortest pull,

0 inches!

 

New Holland dealer, Russells, are celebrating their 100 years in business and kindly loaned us a T6.180

which had been painted in the Silver Jubilee colours, this looked spectacular and was flanked on each

side with a Fordson N and a E27N showing the massive changes in tractor technology.

 

We were well supported by member's tractors with 16 on show, one we don't often see was a 1947 Ford Ferguson 2N, this was unusual as it had a step-up conversion fitted transforming the 8mph tractor to one capable of 18mph.

 

Thanks, and welcome to the 13 new members who joined our club and all the members and friends who

came to say hello, all agreeing how good it was to meet up. A local member, Paul Hudson, who was

helping man the stand all weekend has agreed to be the Club's representative around that area in

Yorkshire. Paul comes from Rillingtonn near Malton and can be contacted on 07710 757133, he

recently retired from farming and will be coming to Newark to meet everyone.

 

Thanks are also due to the show organisers, Outdoor Shows, for a well laid out site which was kept litter free, with clean toilets and sensible marshalling, definitely a show to attend next year.

 

 

 

An appeal from Mark Dew: Hi everyone, I've recently joined the Club and I'm asking for your help, if

possible. I grew up with Ford tractors on my grandparent's farm which is near Peterborough and I'm still

a big fan today. We had a Ford 3000 registration, LTL190G, on the farm which my grandfather bought in

1968 and it was on the farm until the mid-80's and I've lots of great memories driving it.

 

After the grain harvest each year, the tractor was placed onto a Standen solo sugar beet harvester

so wheels, mudguards etc were removed. This happened for a number of years until an extra tractor

was bought, then it stayed on the harvester for good. Sometime around the mid 1980's the harvester

and tractor were sold along with the wheels and mudguards and since then I have often wondered

where it might be and would like to track it down. I looked up on DVLA and the ownership last changed

in May 2017, I'm very pleased it's still around. If you have it parked in your shed or know of someone

that might have it, please get in touch. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

Coast -To-Coast and Back: In the last issue there was insufficient space for all the photos illustrating

this mammoth road run. Here are another four pictures Phil Gibson.