The Isle of Wight 5th Annual Charity Road Run was held on Saturday January 7th.

The day dawned overcast with a bit of mist over the Downs but it was largely dry for the event. We set off from the Eight Bells at Carisbrooke with some drivers fortified by their excellent breakfast.

The route took us around Newport to Downend where we joined the Downs Road to Duxmore Farm. We went off-road through the farm and re-joined the highway at Rowlands Lane. Heading off to Upton and thence to Ashey crossing the main road and stopping at Nunwell Dairy for a cup of tea. Our thanks to Paul Trickle for arranging this.

After tea, we set off towards Ryde passing by a well- known supermarket and all the exiting shoppers! Turning off to Park Farm with another offroad stretch re-joining the highway at Attrills Lane, St. Helens. A very pleasant run through St Helens up to the Ryde, then back to Newport over the Downs but sadly the mist was down so the beautiful views could not be appreciated.

A total of 41 tractors took part in the run with all finishing. It was a real pleasure to see more of the younger generation becoming involved. There was a good selection of Ford and Fordson models including a very tidy 7840SE and an E27N.

Others makes represented were Dutra, JCB, McCormick, Minneapolis Moline, Allis Chalmers. David Brown was well represented and, of course, Fergies and MF's and a sole John Deere 6310 took part.

We are able to send a donation of £225 to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and a further donation of £220 to the Isle of Wight Branch of the Osteoporosis Society.
The organisers would like to thank all those who took part, onlookers and well-wishers, landowners who allowed us to cross their land and to the Police for their kind co-operation.

The next Christmas Road Run is scheduled for Wednesday 27th December 2017.

Photos & Words: David Lemonius our Isle of Wight F.F.A Representative