Walton YFC Machinery Pull
Sept 16, 2023 • General
On Saturday 16th September 2023, members of Kirklinton (Chayana and Lexi), Longtown (Katie, Falon and Georgia) and Walton (John, Daniel, Charlotte, Abigail and honorary member Ella) Young Farmers Clubs took part in a machinery pull, pulling an UTV 20 miles from Rockcliffe to Smithfield, supported by Hethersgill ATV. The group were also accompanied by Will (County Chair), Charlotte (County Vice Chair) and Ella (Northern District Vice Chair), who decided to take up the challenge!
The route began at Castletown Estates, by kind permission of the Mounsey-Heysham family who supplied a fantastic breakfast. The young farmers then set off through Rockcliffe heading for their first stop at Asda. Being a cool morning, it didn’t take long for everyone to warm up, and thankfully the rain held off!
The police kindly escorted the young farmers over Kingstown roundabout, after which they headed for Houghton Hall. Police Officers Nick and Phil went above and beyond, giving a helping hand; each taking a turn pulling the UTV, and helping to source a new tyre after the first one went bang!
After a brief stop at Houghton Hall then began the stretch to Scaleby and onto Laversdale. It was brilliant to see so much support along this stretch of the route.
After a stop at Hethersgill ATV, Laversdale for delicious pizzas from Liz’s Country Kitchen, it was then on to Hethersgill. This was the most challenging stretch of the route, mainly uphill for over 2.5 miles! Having arrived at Hethersgill it was time for a well-deserved rest and refreshments!
From Hethersgill the young farmers continued onto the final stop at Hetherside by kind permission of the Graham family, where they all enjoyed further refreshments.
The machinery pull took place to raise money for The Great North Air Ambulance and Yellow Wellies, and so far, has raised over £1,100.
Organiser and Northern District Chair, Abigail Graham commented “A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, and especially to Hethersgill ATV and CF Moto for their help and support in organising. Thank you to Castletown Estates for supplying a fantastic breakfast, and Morrisons for supplying water, as well as all those who have donated raffle prizes!
‘It was a brilliant but challenging day, well done to all those who have taken part. Thank you to everyone who supported us along the route and to those who have kindly donated. A special thank you to Will, Charlotte and Ella for coming along to take part too.’
