See the power of the past at the Royal Bath & West Show

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Playing a key role in the agricultural revolution, visitors to this year’s Royal Bath & West Show can get up close to a wide range of vintage tractors. Exhibits dating from the mid-1920s to the late 1990s will be on display and in action in a celebration of agricultural heritage.

Lifelong showgoer, Steve Rodd, has been helping at the event for over 25 years, and now carries the role of steward in the vintage tractor area. “It’s far more than an agricultural show; there really is something for everyone,” says Mr Rodd. But what can visitors expect to see in the vintage vehicle section?

Tractors through the 1900s

“This year we have a range of tractors dating from a 1926 Fordson Model F to a 1998 Massey Ferguson,” says Mr Rodd. It is also a significant year for the Grey Ferguson – with several owner clubs having a presence. The ‘Little Grey Fergie’ will be celebrating 80 years since it first came into production in 1946. The machine is really where the modern tractor began and was so popular within 10 years of production that over half a million had come off the UK-based production line.

There will also be Fordsons, David Browns, Internationals and more on display, many of which will have implements on the back to illustrate the role they played on farms.

“They are an important part of our history,” explains Mr Rodd. “A visit to the vintage vehicle area isn’t just a chance to view pieces from our past, it’s an opportunity to see how things were done and where things have come from. Many of the owners have spent a great deal of time and money lovingly restoring the vehicles on display and will be able not only to share knowledge of the machines themselves but their history, too.”

A range of machines on display

Tractors aren’t the only machines to feature in the vintage vehicle area – there will also be a range of commercial vehicles and steam engines. Mr Rodd is hoping to bring along his own 1934 Guy Wolf flatbed lorry – a former Home Office vehicle used for deliveries. In addition, over at the Lakeside area, visitors will also find a display of 25 stationary engines, including some quite unique pieces dating back as far as 1908.

“A friendly display area with plenty to see, the vintage vehicle section offers something for everyone,” says Lilanie Self, Events Executive at the Royal Bath and West Show.

“There are even picnic tables if you want to stop for a rest with an interesting view. And, for your chance to see the machines on the go, be sure to catch the vintage vehicle parade which will be taking place each day in the main ring.”