Lackham College complete rebuild

On Wednesday June 18th 2008 students on the first year National Diploma in land based technology at Wiltshire College transformed a 1960 Massey Ferguson 35 tractor.

Starting at 6 am staff and students got to work dismantling the vintage tractor at great haste, knowing that it was going to be a long day.

This year the money raised is to be split between two charities; one chosen by Mr David Keene of Henley on Thames who kindly donated the tractor for this project, this being The Sue Ryder hospice at Nettlebed Oxon.

The second charity was chosen by the students on the first year National Diploma in Land Based Technology in memory of a friend, Chris Hughes who tragically died in a road accident earlier in the year.  Chris's parents asked that any donations made in his name should go to Diabetes UK.

The Vapormatic Parts Company, specialist in parts for tractors, has donated in excess of £2300 worth of parts for the project and Goodyear has kindly provided a full set of new tyres.

Throughout the day students encountered only minor problems and were grateful for the help of Farm Parts of Chippenham in providing last minute parts.

Student, Ollie Seymour from Cheddar in Somerset said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience; it's great practice for our gap year when we will be working in the industry doing this type of work. Being able to donate thousands of pounds for charity at the end is an added bonus."

Mr Bill King of Cheffins has kindly agreed to auction the tractor at the renowned Cheffins Classic Tractor Auction in Cambridge on Saturday 26th July. They have agreed to waive any fees allowing all proceeds to go to the charities named above.

Students have already raised in excess of £2,000 through sponsorship and it is expected that the tractor will raise in over £6,000 at auction; with a confirmed starting bid of £4,000 already received.