The Purbeck Coast Tractor Run is back for a second yomp through the area taking in Wareham, Corfe Castle, Studland and Lulworth.
When the fundraising convoy took place in 2019, there were 157 tractors for the 40-mile round journey, raising £17,500. Entries are still coming in for this year’s event on Saturday 2nd July 2022, with proceeds going to the Dorset Cancer Centre at Poole Hospital.
Philip Trim organised the event in honour of his wife who died from cancer
“Not just marathon runners who can raise money for charity”
The event is organised by Philip Trim of Throop Hollow farm, near Briantspuddle, who lost his wife Jane to cancer in 2018. He organised the first event in 2019 to coincide with her birthday.
Philip said:
“It’s not just me that cancer has come close to, lots of friends and family have also lost loved ones and got people now who are fighting cancer.
“It was so successful last time we thought we would do it again and show it’s not just marathon runners who can raise money for charity farmers can too!”
Last time 157 tractors took part in the event
Music, axemen and welly wanging
Many of the participants will be camping at the farm with live music on Friday 1st July 2022 provided by Nina Garcia on fiddle playing what’s described as ‘fiery celtic pop’.
On Saturday 2nd July 2022 as well as the tractor run there will be a programme of events at the farm, including a display by Adam’s Axemen, some welly wanging and a bar and food. Music will be provided by the Radio Kings, a four piece band from South Wales.
The event in 2019 raised £17,500 for cancer charity
Farming family
Philip has more than 300 beef cattle on his farm and started out as a farm labourer at 19 before buying his own land. His son Ben, now 19 himself, works on the farm.
Jane’s father was Dr Tommy Haw of Harmans Cross. Jane worked as a herds’ manager at Afflington Farm in Corfe and Compact Farm in Worth Matravers.
The route will take the tractors around the Isle of Purbeck, including to Corfe Castle and Studland, out towards Old Harry Rocks.
The route takes in Wareham, Corfe Castle, Studland, Church Knowle and East Lulworth
Five hour trek
It will take the convoy about five hours to complete the route, taking into account stops along the way. Philip said he is not sure how many will take part this time because ‘farmers leave everything to the last minute’.
Tractor owners pay to enter and the event is run entirely by volunteers. Farmers will be coming from as far afield as Devon, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
Two days of music and events at the Throop Hollow farm
“Not aiming to cause a big traffic jam”
Philip said:
“It’s dreadful to lose someone to cancer but this event is to honour Jane and to give something back to the fabulous NHS who did so much.”
He added:
“We’re not aiming to cause a big traffic jam or be a nuisance – a lot of the route is along the green lane – but if there is a bit of a hold up anywhere we hope people will understand it’s all for a good cause.”
Further information
- More about the tractor run and how to take part is on the Purbeck Coast Tractor Run website
