On Sunday the 2nd February we were delighted to take part in a very special event in our local farming community.
In May last year, Steve Yeandle, a well known and respected farmer, agricultural contractor, and indeed local legend, died aged 65. His illness was very sudden and left family, friends and the whole farming community in shock. A memorial service was held in June where hundreds attended to pay tribute and gave donations to Pancreatic Cancer UK and Crediton Rugby Club, but an idea started to grow as to how the farming community could pay tribute to Steve in another very fitting way too.
And so a plan was put into place to hold a charity tractor run where members of the farming community could pay to drive their tractors through all the local villages collecting for charity along the way. The event was organised by Newton St Cyres Young Farmers Club, with a large group of helpers including Yeandle Contracting, but I think it’s safe to say that everyone was taken by surprise at the response.
Originally around 30 tractors were expected, but in the end there were 121 present – an absolutely fabulous tribute to Steve, even though it was a bit of a logistical nightmare for the organisers! And so it was that a huge crowd of people and vehicles descended on Winscott Barton, home of our good friends and neighbouring farmers Richard and Vanda Browne.

The convoy set off at 11 am led by Dan Channin, Steve’s ‘right hand man’ in the contracting business, driving Steve’s favourite Ford 5000 tractor. Next up was Steve’s son Jack, who is currently club captain for Exeter Chiefs, followed by tractors of every shape, size and vintage heading out through Upton Pyne, Brampford Speke, Thorverton, Cadbury, Cheriton Fitzpaine and Shobrooke before returning to base.
Waved along the route by friends and well-wishers, not least our grandson Ned whose ear to ear smiling and mad waving was met with some very enthusiastic air horns! He was extra delighted of course, to spot Uncle Sam and Aunty Hetty in one tractor and Grandpa in another!

With the circular route completed, everyone headed back to Winscott for a barbecue and home-made cakes, along with a raffle and auction. During a period of continued change for the farming industry and potentially worrying times ahead, it was wonderful to see so many people from the community, both young and ‘more mature’, come together in such a positive way to pay tribute to Steve and have a bit of fun along the way.

Not only that, but a little birdy tells me that a not inconsiderable sum was raised from sponsors, participants and well-wishers on the route which will be shared between Pancreatic Cancer UK and the British Heart Foundation – both charities chosen by Steve’s family. The Young Farmers committee will be meeting shortly to have a tally up, so as soon as I know the total, I’ll pass it on via our Instagram feed.
As one of the stewards, I would like to pass on a vote of thanks to the other road users who were very patient and understanding, and on a more personal note, a big thank you to Angie, the YFC team and helpers for all their hard work in bringing everything together and masterminding such a successful event. Here’s to the next time…?!