FORTY years ago to the day (plus two) a meeting was held at Chulmleigh to see how much interest there might be in setting up a group for tractor enthusiasts and those interested in other old engines.

That is how Mid Devon Tractor Engine and Machinery Group was born on October 12, 1982.  Wally Balsdon was the first to volunteer to join now there is a core membership staying at around 80-90.

The 40th anniversary meeting was held at the home of members Paul and Mary Stanbury at Cleaveanger, Coldridge on Saturday, October 14.

More than 40 tractors and engines turned up on the day when a ploughing match was held not far away.  As someone said, where else would you find almost 50 tractors at one event and almost as many at another only eight miles apart.

There was also a display of model tractors by Mike Cann.

Former Group secretary, Michael Coleman, and Edgar Pett from Holsworthy were showing bygone tools and implements such as butter pats, grass fiddles and many other items for people to guess their use.

“It is fascinating how younger people often do not know what a stone hot water bottle is or, say, a plough share,” said Michael.

It was a delightful afternoon, displays of bygones all around, old and new tractors, a few stationary engines, some cars and then all the archives to look at.

This included booklets from every Rally held by the group since it started.  An excellent commemorative booklet listed them all, apart from the foot and mouth year when there was not one, as well as a potted history of the group.

It all began through the interest of a group of teenagers who had become interested in tractors and engines at school.  Being asked to help clear a field of vehicles, including tractors that had not been used for a number of years, increased their enthusiasm.

Formed in 1982, the first Rally was held in April, 1983 at Kings Nympton,  proceeds from this and several subsequent Rallies helped build Kings Nympton Parish Hall.

Other Rallies were held at Chulmleigh, Morchard Road, Shobrooke, Winkleigh and Downes, raising many thousands of pounds for other charities too.

At one time the Group linked with Crediton Round Table extending to a two-day Downes Rally, but several years of bad weather and rising costs led the the Rallies being replaced by working days, Gas Ups and tractor runs.

From September to May, meetings are held at Morchard Bishop.  There is a website and visitors are welcome.

A cake had been made for Saturday by member Kate Williams whose father, Steven is secretary to the group.  It was cut by founder members Chris Goodman and Colin Rowe.

Chris was living at Eggesford then and used to go to East Devon Vintage Club.  “It was a long way to go to meetings and they were more interested in steam,” he said.  His first tractor was an Allis Chalmers B.  Colin Rowe lives in Crediton and has his own collection.

Chairman of the Group, John Moore of Crediton, presented a bouquet of flowers to Mary Stanbury and a voucher to Paul as thanks for lending their property.  John thanked everyone who had worked to make the day such a success.

“Not one vehicle was booked in, everyone just turned up and was in place by noon for when it opened.  It was a brilliant day, absolutely tremendous.” he said.

A person does not have to own a vehicle to be a member.  “Anyone interested in vehicles, two wheels or more, generally agriculturally related, is welcome,” John added.

The Group’s annual meeting will be on a club night, Wednesday, November 16, at Morchard Bishop Memorial Hall.