Tingles Trundle tractor road run

Posted by Chris Graham on 4th January 2024

Chris Graham reports on the annual Tingles Trundle tractor road run which, this year, was raising funds for a hospice in Eastbourne

A trailer-full of enthusiastic participants pass spectators gathering at the Ash Tree Inn behind a TE-20, for the start of this year’s Tingles Trundle Tractor Run.

The Tingles Trundle is a tractor road run that starts and finishes in the small East Sussex hamlet of Ashburnham, in a field next to the Ash Tree Inn. It’s a very informal, ‘turn up and run’-type of event that was started by vintage tractor enthusiast Arthur Tingley about 15 years ago, and continues to grow in popularity.

This event always attracts an interesting selection of tractors, and draws a decent crowd of spectators in the starting field, too.

Local flooding in the days leading up to this year’s run, which took place on September 24th, meant that the route was somewhat shorter than normal. Sadly, the picturesque sections through the local Ashburnham Estate were declared ‘out of bounds’ due to water-logged ground but it’s expected that normal service will be resumed in 2024.

Jack Keeley sets off, with trailer behind, in his MF 3065. It’s always good to see modern classics taking part in events like this.

Nevertheless, the run still attracted a brilliant turnout, with 70 or so assorted tractors, including a good range of Ferguson and Massey Ferguson machines. It was also notable that many more of the entrants than usual were towing trailers packed with enthusiastic family members and/or friends, which was really good to see. Drawing more people into the hobby – by whatever means – is always a good thing.

The tractors left the start at 11am in bright, warm sunshine. This is Becky enjoying life aboard her original-condition Ferguson TE-20.

The convoy left the starting field at 11am and, overall, the event raised £505 for this year’s designated charity, St Wilfreds Hospice, in Eastbourne. Well done, one and all.

A happy-looking Mrs Mills negotiates a rural junction with her very presentable MF 35X.

Ray McAvoy Kifford owns a number of Ferguson and Massey Ferguson tractors as well as a good selection of collectable implements. He completed this year’s run in his smart MF 590.

John Popovic and passengers enjoyed the run out with his beautifully patinated MF 135.

Mark Hague leaves the starting field with his MF 698T.

Another well-loaded trailer of enthusiastic participants, this time being pulled by an MF 35.

It’s always encouraging to see youngsters actively involved in events like this one, with older machinery.

Bethan approaches the finish of the run with her smart TE-20.

Trailers full of happy passengers enjoying the autumnal weather were a big part of this year’s Tingles Trundle. Here’s Jeremy Sivyer and his ‘working clothes’ MF 35X with luxury seating behind!

We always love to see an elderly tractor carrying a few battle scars!

This report comes from the latest issue of Classic Massey & Ferguson Enthusiast, and you can get a money-saving subscription to this magazine simply by clicking HERE