DESPITE a dire weather forecast which limited attendance to some extent, a good turn-out of vintage tractors, ploughs, harrows and cultivators provide a colourful and nostalgic working spectacle for those taking part and spectators alike at the Mid Devon Tractor, Engine and Machinery Group’s annual Working Day held this year at Guscotts Farm, Coleford on Saturday, September 3.

An overcast morning with an occasional light shower made for good working conditions on the firm, dry field kindly made available by the White family.

With plenty of variety among the equipment in use and lots of movement for spectators to watch, an enjoyable morning slipped rapidly by (too fast for the tractor drivers!) before, at around 1pm, (exactly as predicted by the BBC weather forecast - a rare occurrence!) the threatening black clouds that had been scudding overhead all day finally unleashed what became fairly steady rain, bringing a premature end to the tractor working.

However, all was not lost as the MDTEMG’s large marquee provided good shelter in which those who chose to remain were able to partake of the excellent refreshments on offer and to set the world to rights before the afternoon concluded with a raffle, the prizes generously given by many of those present.

Charity donations of more than £200 were for the benefit of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Michael Coleman

Secretary, MDTEMG