The Rede And Coquet Charity Tractor Run

24 August 2020

Farmers and tractor enthusiasts from across The North East and Scottish Borders are doing their bit for three very worthy charities this September including My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

Saturday 26th of September, one hundred vintage, classic and modern tractors will take to the tarmac and complete a 50 mile road run through the hills of Redesdale and Coquetdale to raise thousands of pounds for worthwhile causes. The Rede & Coquet Charity Tractor Run is the brainchild of a group of friends from Otterburn who got together after lockdown to plan a safe event in the light of the regions agricultural shows being cancelled due to Covid-19. Malcolm Corbett of Dykehead farm, Rochester came up with the idea and suggested the last Saturday in September, the traditional date of Rochester Show.

An initial meeting was held, in a socially distanced manner in Corbetts Garage, Otterburn and the event was born.  The organisers hope to pre-register 100 drivers with tractors from the 1950's to present day to take to the by-roads and raise money for My Name'5 Doddie, The Great North Air Ambulance & The British Lung Foundation; three charities that are equally important to the organisers.

The procession of agricultural machines will leave Mr Corbett's field in Otterburn with original 35 horsepower machines travelling alongside 300hp modern day behemoths, taking in some beautiful Northumbrian scenery in the Rede and Coquet valleys. The the majority of the route will be over land which is utilised for Army Training by The MOD and  drivers will pause for an outdoor BBQ lunch at The Rose and Thistle Inn, Alwinton where the organisers hope the public will turn out and show their support with donations towards the three charities.

The run will then rejoin the route through Harbottle and Holystone before arriving back in Redesdale mid-afternoon. The cost to take part is £50 per tractor which will include breakfast, lunch and a commemorative programme and specially bottled beer from the local First & Last Brewery.  Passengers in modern tractors are also welcome at £20 per person. Those wishing to take part should contact either Malcolm on 07719 350798, Ross on 07834 453119 or Chris on 07808 721957. The group are also keen to hear from those wishing to contribute with sponsorship or advertising and those willing to donate items for a promise auction and raffle which will take place at Alwinton on the day.