19-05-2025
Vintage tractors to feature at Bath and West show
Forty-five vintage tractors will be paraded at a show this year.
The Royal Bath and West Show, which will take place from May 29 to May 31, will see the tractors, dating from the 1940s to the 1990s, paraded to celebrate agricultural heritage.
The tractors have been restored and maintained, and include British and continental makes, such as Fergusons, Fords, Fordson Roadless, and Fordson Patterson.
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Steve Rodd, who has been attending the Bath and West Show since childhood, will be presenting his restored 1955 Deutz tractor.
He said: "I've been part of the show for around 35 years now, and it's always exciting to come back; I'm really looking forward to it again this year."
The show will feature contributions from the Ferguson Club and the South Somerset Preservation Club, both of which will bring along a selection of vintage machinery.
Mr Rodd said: "It's important that we keep heritage alive.
"By keeping vintage tractors moving and having a presence at shows, it's showing people what history we have and should be protecting for future generations.
"Vintage tractors can do everything modern tractors do, just on a smaller scale.
"Take a Ferguson with a two-furrow plough, it can achieve the same results as today's rotary ploughs, just at a slower pace and with a bit more character."
The oldest moving tractor at this year's show is a classic Oliver, which has been in the same family since it was collected in 1942.
Mr Rodd said: "The current exhibitor's father collected it brand new from Castle Cary train station when it was delivered from Scotland.
"Based in Gillingham, Somerset, it's still running strong today."
Visitors can also explore stationary vintage tractors, where the oldest on display is a 1923 Frank Hardtop, offering a true glimpse into the early days of agricultural machinery.
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Mr Rodd added: "I really encourage everyone to come and have a chat with me and the other exhibitors, at the show.
"It's a great opportunity to learn about these incredible machines and the history behind them."
Vintage tractor parades will take place on each day of the show, and a dedicated vintage tractor ring will feature live demonstrations too.
The Royal Bath and West Show will be held on May 29 to May 31.
