A lovingly restored little grey Massey Ferguson TE A-20 tractor has almost completed its nationwide fundraising journey for local charity, Bicton Overseas Agricultural Trust (BOAT). Kufbert, as the tractor is affectionately known, was finally raffled off at the Newark Vintage Tractor Show on Sunday 10th November following its refurbishment by Bicton College engineering students at Devon County Show in May 2013. There was massive interest in the draw and nearly 16,000 tickets have been sold. The draw was made by Rebecca Mear, daughter of Penny Mear, whose husband Steve - former head teacher at Colyton Primary School in East Devon - first bought the tractor as a restoration project for when he retired. Sadly, Steve died in April 2012 after losing his battle with cancer and Penny donated the tractor to BOAT in his memory, since when Rebecca and Penny have been very busy fundraising for the charity. The tickets were drawn at the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show. There were three winners: The tractor went to Mr George Taylor from Woolhope near Hereford. £250 cash prize went to M Kellaway from Grantham in Lincolnshire. £100 cash prize went to Mr Pete Hawes from Diss in Norfolk. Chairman Fred Harper said, We congratulate the winners and would like to thank Rebecca and Penny, and everyone who bought tickets for the draw. We also acknowledge with great gratitude the support of our generous sponsors including Vapormatic, Firestone, Tractor and Machinery magazine and Oakham Treasures. Once again, every pound for every ticket will go to the work of BOAT and the Improving Agriculture through Training scheme in the developing world.â Kufbert the tractor will end its fundraising journey at a presentation ceremony when Fred Harper will officially hand over the tractor and the key to the winner.
