The community of Llanwrtyd Wells came out in force to support the 10th running of the Welsh National Tractor Road Run on Sunday, June 16 in aid of charity.

Local farmer, Evan Lewis and his team of Dai Roberts, Jim and Sandra Davies from the Llanwrtyd Wells Tractor Enthusiasts took up the gauntlet to organise the event.

They had chosen to support the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and Cancer Research Wales in their fundraising efforts.

David Micah of Llandrindod Wells on his David Brown 850
David Micah of Llandrindod Wells on his David Brown 850 (Copyright: E A Bates) (.)

The Welsh National Tractor Road Run (WNTRR) is the brainchild of vintage enthusiasts and brother and sister, John and Anne Bates of Rhayader. It has raised more than £50,000 for charities and good causes since its inception. 

With nearly 200 participants coming from as far away as Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire as well as from all corners of Wales, the Run is an event also well supported by the local tractor run enthusiasts.

James Bessant Davies driving his grandfather's Dexta
James Bessant Davies driving his grandfather's Dexta (Copyright: E A Bates_ (.)

Evan Lewis welcomed everyone on behalf the Llanwrtyd Wells Tractor Enthusiasts before asking John Bates, WNTRR co-founder to say a few words about the history of the Run. Local County Councillor, Peter James MBE, James Evans MS and Liz Rees from RABI made speeches. After the speeches the raffle was drawn and a commemorative cap, shirt and jacket were auctioned off to the highest bidder - then it was everyone to their tractors. 

Evan Lewis, on his trusty Ford 3000 bedecked with Welsh Dragons, led the trundling procession off from the start field - kindly loaned by Gwyn Protheroe - along Ffos Road and into Llanwrtyd Wells.

Turning out into the centre there was the local PCSO Gareth Price, who directed the convoy into the main square lined with cheering and waving townsfolk. A special mention for the most decorated tractor must go to Meredydd Evans of Cynghordy who had adorned his Deutz with balloons and bunting, bringing a smile to all who saw it.

The cheerily decorated Deutz of Meredydd Evans of Cynghordy
The cheerily decorated Deutz of Meredydd Evans of Cynghordy (Copyright: E A Bates) (.)
Llandovery's Dan George on his International 635
Llandovery's Dan George on his International 635 (Copyright: E A Bates) (.)

Heading out of Llanwrtyd Wells, the tractors toured the surrounding communities of Cefn Gorwydd, Tirabad, Llangammarch Wells and Garth before heading to the dinner stop on Cribarth Common - by kind permission of Cribarth Commoners).

Nantmel's Alfred Lewis with his Case
Nantmel's Alfred Lewis with his Case (Copyright: E A Bates) (.)

After refreshments and taking in the views over Eppynt and the Irfon Valley, it was off through Llanafan Fawr, Beulah and Abergwesyn before heading back down the upper reaches of the Irfon Valley to Llanwrtyd Wells and the finish.

The Llanwrtyd Wells Tractor Enthusiasts would like to thank the participants, the local community, and local businesses in supporting their fundraising efforts.

Llandrindod Wells' Mike Chandler with his Fordson Dexta
Llandrindod Wells' Mike Chandler with his Fordson Dexta (Copyright: E A Bates) (.)