Devon FFA Event at Devon County Show 19th - 21st May 2011
Over 9,000 people attended the 3 day Devon County Show at Westpoint near Exeter .
There was a strong class of Vintage tractors and a significant entry of Ford & Fordson tractors from the oldest, being a 1933 early Dagenham built water washer Standard through to a 1970 Ford 4000.
Our display was boosted by Ralph Sharland’s wonderful collection of Fordson models that he has collected over the last 50 years.
He has made many of the attachments himself as it is now not possible for him to find many of the parts he needs and it keeps him busy building away. Many of the items would be irreplaceable today and some of them are very special since they were given to him as a youngster.
Den Marks from just over the border in Cornwall (and he didn’t even have his passport!) brought along several items of interest. His Fordson E27N P6 which was driving a Marshall threshing machine in the working area was most impressive. A Standard Fordson N narrow wing, a very nice pre-force Ford 5000 and another E27N completed his collection.
There were a couple of Dextas, a tidy working model with a 2 furrow Ransomes plough from Doug Green and a lovely rare Roadless 4 wheel drive version from Phil Burge which came back into the UK from New Zealand some 15 years ago and is in original condition.
The Devon FFA had their new banners on display which were very eye-catching and helped to draw in many visitors. There was a lot of interest in our tractors with many people stopping to talk to the owners and recollect their youth, sharing experiences and memories with our members of bygone days.
"Pride and Nostalgia" were mixed with some frustration when hand starting proved difficult at times and testing of the owner’s humour!
All in all a rewarding & most enjoyable Show and it will only help to raise the profile of the FFA both in Devon & Nationally. We hope that most of the membership application forms taken, will convert into signed up new members for the Devon Area of the Ford & Fordson Association.
Words & Photo's - Andrew Green - FFA Devon Area Rep
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