The Yorkshire Vintage Association Show at Newby Hall 2011
The weather was mostly kind to the YVA this year, as the visitors flocked to the Ripon area for Britain’s largest gathering of pioneer, veteran, vintage and classic tractors, displayed in the delightful grounds of historic Newby Hall. This year, the show was officially opened by the indomitable Bridget Laycock -the darling of all genuine enthusiasts and organiser of the Marshal Club, which had its usual superb display of the Gainsborough products at Newby.
This year, the theme was “all things International Harvester” and the organisers set themselves the objective of attracting a large gathering of the iconic Titan 10-20 tractors. In the event, no less than 31 Titans attended and in doing so, created a world record line-up of these 2 cylinder pioneers of mechanised farming, which was a sight not to be missed! Additional interest was provided by a beautifully original Titan 15-30 “Flaming Four” from Mick Patrick and the giant 1912 Titan 45 from the local collection of Daniel and Toby Ward. As usual, the pioneer section was exceptional, with the Titans being complimented by an unrivalled display of ancient heavy iron. Notable among the prairie monsters were the Aultman Taylor 30-60, brought to Newby by Gijs Koolen from Bergeik in Holland, Mick Patrick’s Case 20-40 and the massive Twin City 40-65 exhibited by Suffolk’s Roger Desborough. “German George” Mueller came all the way from Weilheim in the Black Forest, with his IH Junior 8-16 and also a fine Hart-Parr, resplendent in its “Canadian Special” maroon livery from one of 35 Hart-Parrs in his large and varied collection. Exhibitors from Scotland, Wales and Ireland, helped to reinforce this show’s reputation as a truly international (no pun intended!) event.
The Titan display was complimented by a magnificent array of International Harvester tractors, ranging from the early grey machines, through the red era, to the last of the machines produced after the merger with the Case organisation. Great interest was shown in the big International “Snoopy” tractor, as these are seldom seen at shows. Almost every model was represented, including examples of the American, British, Australian, French and German-made Internationals and the famous and witty commentary team of Michael Hart and Colin Holiwell demonstrated their unrivalled knowledge of the marque as the seemingly endless line of red and grey machines passed before them. The IHC section was indeed large, but the other makes were also there in profusion and variety, plus a small specialist exhibit of Turner tractors and impressive displays by many of the one-make clubs, including both Ferguson clubs, Allis-Chalmers, Nuffield, Marshal and of course both of the Fordson clubs. All in all, the variety was amazing, with something to interest every enthusiast.
This event differs from other shows in parading its exhibits along a “Drive-through” rather than a conventional ring and in organising the tractors in “villages” of the same make around the many trees on the Newby site. The organising team constantly strive to vary the layout, in order to keep the show fresh and interesting, for exhibitors and public alike, so every year the format differs from the last one.
On the Saturday evening, there was a short road run through the grounds of the Estate and numerous exhibitors took part, enjoying the scenery, the sound of diverse tractor engines and the wonderful scent of TVO (and diesel) exhaust. For those who wanted to view this large show in comfort, there were trailer rides at regular intervals throughout the weekend, which enabled those of a less energetic disposition to have an overview of the thousand-plus exhibits gathered at Newby.
The stationary engine section was more varied and impressive than ever and the sight of so many flywheels turning, to the varied rhythm from the different open-crank engines was a huge attraction to the visitors who crowded round the compound. These barn engines were such an important part of the progression from man and animal power to full mechanisation of the farmyard and the interest in the display at Newby was tremendous. Most makes were represented, including some rare and beautifully preserved examples.
In the working area, Jim Wood’s wonderfully original Fisher-Humphries drum could be seen thrashing wheat throughout the weekend, with his Field Marshal tractor providing the power. There was baling, stone crushing, a reed mat-making machine, log sawing and just about every other belt driven farmyard operation imaginable, including Kieran Wall’s big racksaw bench, known affectionately as “The Rackbench Hotel”. Various tractors belted up to Kieran’s outfit over the weekend, including the big Aultman Taylor and other veterans. As always, Kieran was happy to oblige with as demanding a load as any operator wanted for his tractor and the air rang to the buzz and whine of the big blade cutting through some mighty tree trunks, to give the old machines a decent workout.
The show confines itself to internal combustion engine powered machines and does not include steam, but it does have very impressive sections devoted to cars, commercial vehicles, Land Rover etc. and these provide the variety to cater for all interests. The catering facilities are unrivalled and instead of being given plaques, exhibitors were welcome to tea and home cooked cakes, buns and biscuits ably provided by Heather Chester’s team of lady volunteers at the “Old Thresherman’s Reunion” marquee, which was inspired by Brian Smith’s former popular operation at the Onslow Park Working Field.
Visitors to the show are free to enjoy the beautiful gardens of Newby Hall and for a small extra charge, may take a tour round the Hall itself. Newby Hall is the home of the Compton family, as it has been for centuries and they continue to preserve this heritage at the centre of what is a significant agricultural estate, including tenanted farms and a large in-hand farming operation. The show operates as a working partnership between the Yorkshire Vintage Association and the Newby Estate and this successful formula has underpinned the growth of the show to become one of the premier UK tractor and engine events. The YVA itself was formed some seven years ago by the East and West Yorkshire and Penine Groups of the NVTEC, to organise a show with critical mass. It is run by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts and the YVA seeks only to cover its costs and to generate sufficient income for investment in a continuous programme of improvement to the show facilities. Thanks to all those, from throughout the UK and Europe, who made the effort to bring exhibits to Newby and to make it such an interesting and large event.
The next YVA Show show will take place at Newby Hall on 9/10 June 2012, when the special feature will be Oliver, Hart-Parr, Minneapolis-Moline, Twin-city etc . including all the components of what became the White Motor Corporation’s tractor division. As always, the show will also feature its usual large display of early steel wheeled veteran and pioneer tractors and all the other makes, from the vintage and classic eras will be welcome. The YVA Committee hopes that entriesfor 2012, will set a new record, so mark the dates in your diary and start preparing now to come to Newby with your tractor, engine, or maybe just your friends! Enquiries should initially be directed to the Secretary, David Ayers on 07711 692378
Richard Sturdy
Chairman YVA