Ashley is now in his eighties and has been collecting tractors for years. His wife Gladys is also interested in the hobby and often accompanies him to shows. Readers may also be familiar with Ashley and Gladys because they helped set up the National Vintage Tractor Road Run.
Head start
“I come from a farming background and worked on holdings for many years,” he recalls. “The first tractor I ever drove was a Fordson N, and I can remember the occasion as if it was yesterday.
“When I was growing up, most people worked on the land, and tractors played an important role in the local economy. Farms have become bigger over the years, and diversified into other areas like holiday lets and farm shops. There has also been an increase in ‘pick your own’ fruit enterprises.”
Learning to drive tractors when he was young, stood Ashley in good stead when he joinedhaulage firms throughout my life.” Gladys was also raised on a farm and recalls sitting on her father’s knee while he drove an orange Fordson N. “Because I come from a farming background, I have always been interested in Ashley’s hobby, and I try to help where practicable,” she said.
