Bigger and better promise delivered as vehicles double

A WINTER wonderland on wheels wowed islanders on Saturday evening when more than 70 tractors covered in Christmas lights and decorations took to the roads for a drive around the island.

The start at Les Beaucamps High School allowed people to get a close look at the decorated tractors and other vehicles. (Pictures by Luke Le Prevost, 31580182)

‘Bigger and better’ had been promised by Ben Le Page, one of the organisers, and he got his wish.

Last year there were about 35 vehicles – this year there were 76.

Watch: Guernsey Press photographer Peter Frankland captured the Christmas tractor run from above

‘It’s absolutely incredible,’ said Mr Le Page. ‘I just can’t believe it, for me and my mate [Matt Spruce] to be organising something that big.

‘I’m 25 and I’ve never seen a road run so big.’

Mark Le Prevost at the wheel of his Massey-Ferguson.(31580178)

What also gave him a surprise was how many islanders lined the route to watch the convoy go by. ‘It was amazing to see so many people out in freezing weather.’

Hundreds of people took the chance to see the tractors before they set out from Les Beaucamps High School.

Mr Le Page said 57 tractors had been pre-booked, but in the end 73, several towing trailers, turned up at the school and another three joined at Vistas.

Family support co-ordinator Susie Gallienne and husband Anthony were at the start collecting money for this year’s charity, Wigwam Support Group. (31580202)

Some had been in service for decades, but after the three-and-a-half hour run he said he had not heard of any breaking down.

Organisers had chosen to raise funds for the Wigwam charity, which supports families of children and young people with special needs.

Mr Le Page said that as of yesterday the event had raised about £2,000 for the charity.

Those taking part in the event had been asked to give £10 for their entry.

The convoy heads out of Les Beaucamps School. 31580220)

Braving the chilly evening at Beaucamps were the charity’s family support coordinator Susie Gallienne and her husband, Anthony, who had buckets to collect donations.

Mrs Gallienne said the charity was really pleased to have been chosen and thanked the organisers. ‘It’s this sort of thing which helps us support families,’ she said.

Mr Le Page said the organisers were grateful to the school, whose caretakers turned out to assist, as well as the Civil Protection volunteers who helped co-ordinate things, the police, who escorted the convoy, the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service and the St John Emergency Ambulance Service, both of which joined in the convoy in decorated vehicles.

He also thanked his co-organisers Matt Spruce and Peter Reddall and his wife, Beth, who kept Facebook followers up to date on progress, and Louise Fitzhenry, who also helped out behind the scenes.

Left to right, Tracy Dyke, Morgan Hamon, 16, and Charis Burgoine, 13, wrapped up in blankets for their lengthy ride in a trailer. (31580200)

After such a successful sophomore run there was no doubt in Mr Le Page’s mind that it would be back next year

‘100% we’ll be back,’ he said. ‘I don’t know how it’ll be bigger and better, but we’ll be back.’