On Sunday 19th November, the South Devon Hunt hosted a tractor run which raised £700 for charity. The spectacle was held in memory of Steve Wright and Mike Tewson, both local farmers and huge supporters of the hunt, who sadly died in July and August respectively.
The aim of the South Devon Tractor Run was to raise awareness of men’s mental health in the countryside, and to raise money for Andy’s Man Club, a men’s suicide prevention charity offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. The charity seeks to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.
The Tractor Run started near the hunt’s kennels and travelled across Dartmoor, covering 15 miles in total, and was followed by a BBQ and refreshments. It was well attended, with a fantastic cross section of the local community turning out to participate and spectate along the route. There was even a prize for the best-decorated tractor, sponsored by Masons Kings, a local agricultural machinery dealership.
“It was a brilliant fun, well-supported evening,” explained Joe Emmett, Joint Master of the South Devon Hunt.
“It was great to try something different for our fundraising, but also to remember two good friends to the hunt. Farmers are a huge part of any hunt, and we are lucky to be at the heart of our rural community here in South Devon. It was very moving to see so many people support the event, but it was not a sombre occasion; everyone was in good spirits and we’re hoping to make this an annual fixture in our calendar.”
Steve Wright’s children, Ronnie, Henry and Beth, selected the charity and were also involved in the organisation of the event. They accompanied Joe Emmett as he presented a cheque at the hunt’s kennels near Newton Abbot. Beth is now an apprentice at the hunt, and Henry and Ronnie regularly volunteer at the kennels and follow the hunt on their ponies. Stu Flaherty received the cheque on behalf of Andy’s Man Club. He is Lead Facilitator for the charity in the Newton Abbot area and said:
“Thank you so much for this donation. The charity has one simple message and that is ‘It’s Okay to Talk’”.
Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance said:
“This is yet another example of the selfless efforts hunts make to support their local communities. Hunts across the country consistently come up with creative fundraising ideas to back charities and other worthy local causes such as raising awareness of mental health issues.”
“Many rural communities across the country are suffering now more than ever with the ever-increasing demands that come with rural life. Hunting and farming often come hand in hand, and it is great to see the support these rural communities give each other.”
The South Devon Hunt has had a brilliant year for fundraising. Last season they donated over £3,000 to charities including Devon Air Ambulance, The Farming Community Network, Dartmoor Search and Rescue, and The Royal British Legion.