Young tractor enthusiast defy stereotype with plan to show vintage tractors in Newark after 600 mile Cancer Research fundraiser drive

Vintage tractors aren’t just for the older gentleman, say two young enthusiasts who plan to show theirs in Newark this year.

Alex Kettlewell, 24, from Davenham in Cheshire, has been into vintage tractors since childhood and says it’s a great hobby with a real community spirit. He has a 1979 Ford 3600, which he saved up to buy and renovate when he was 16, and a 1959 Fordson Power Major.

“Vintage tractors have a massive social scene,” says Alex, who clocks up 2,000 miles a year on his Ford by taking it to rallies.

“Recently we went on the world’s largest vintage tractor road run for Cancer Research, from Liverpool to Whitby and back – it was 600 miles. We met loads of great people, that’s what I love about it.

“Young people think it’s not cool, but the teasing at school never fazed me. So many of my old school friends just sit at home playing video games, but I encouraged a new friend into vintage tractors recently.

“The appeal for me is the sense of achievement. What I feel I’ve achieved doing the tractors up is brilliant. I’d say don’t be afraid to have a go – if you save up and buy one, it’s a big daunting project, but it’s also a huge learning experience.”

Alex, who used to spend every spare moment after school with his grandad, Alan Davies, and his vintage tractor, has even encouraged his girlfriend, Jennie Whittingham, 24 into the hobby.

“When we first met she wasn’t at all interested in tractors,” said Alex.

“But as she spent more time with me and her dad who’s also into them, she got the bug. She loves the social side, and she has a 425 Nuffield which her dad built for her from spare parts in his workshop, and a 1954 Fordson E1A New Major.

“We drive our own tractors out together and have fun overtaking each other in fields. We also did the road run together.”

He will be at Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show at Newark Showground on November 5-6.

Also there will be 21-year-old Katie Birch, from Gainsborough. She has her granddad’s Fergie TED20, which she plans to keep true to how he maintained it, and take it to rallies.

She says she’s often the only young woman showing a vintage tractor at such shows.

“It’s a shame, we need more young men and women getting into vintage tractors. You’ve got all this history in front of you when you have a vintage tractor and if you want to restore it then you’ve got a nice project. They’re also just really fun.”

The Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show is organised by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, supported by the Nottinghamshire branch of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club.