L-R Gareth Jones – Vice President of Flint & Holywell Rotary Club, Steve Watts - Wales & West Utilities Area Business Manager for North & Mid Wales and Chairman of the Flintshire Vintage & Classic Tractor Society and Clive Crofts - Rotary International Chairman
A vintage tractor run which took in more than 28 miles of the north Wales countryside has raised more than £1,000 for charity.
The North Wales Vintage Tractor Road Run saw 70 vintage farm vehicle enthusiasts embark on a four hour run through the area, whilst raising money for the local Flint & Holywell Rotary Club.
Organised by Holywell farmer Steve Watts, who is the Chairman of the Flintshire Vintage & Classic Tractor Society, the run is an annual event which seeks to raise money for charity, whilst also sparking local’s interest in the vintage engines.
Steve, who also works for Wales & West Utilities as the Area Business Manager for North & Mid Wales, explains:
“The event was fantastic and saw hundreds of people from across the area line the streets to see the tractors. With 70 vehicles taking part, people had the opportunity to see some fantastic pieces of history!
“The event has become a firm fixture in the calendar and we are delighted to raise such a fantastic amount for charity.”
The £1,000 was made up of donations from the public, fundraising by members of the Society, as well as a £300 match funding donation provided by Steve’s employer, Wales & West Utilities.
Steve added:
“On behalf of the Society I’d like to thank everyone who donated to such a worthwhile charity.
“The money from Wales & West Utilities has helped us top the £1,000 mark and will ensure that more local, worthy charities will benefit from the event.”
The match funding donation made by Wales & West Utilities is a company-wide scheme which pledges to support the fundraising efforts of its colleagues.
Sarah Hopkins, Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, said:
“Steve’s commitment to charitable fundraising is just amazing. Each year we see him put on events that make a positive contribution to local society and we are proud to have played a small part in making the money raised, go further.
“We are committed to supporting the fundraising efforts of our colleagues and are delighted that this event has now topped £1,000 – all of which will go to support north Wales charities.”
Wales & West Utilities has a team of more than 1000 trained and experienced engineers to help serve the 7.5m people across Wales and the south west of England that rely on its gas emergency and pipeline services. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
Our team is also working on a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.