"Old Rastus", one of 2 Fordson tractors owned by Gordon Sutcliffe

"Old Rastus", one of 2 Fordson tractors owned by Gordon Sutcliffe

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The image is of "Old Rastus", one of 2 Fordson tractors owned by Gordon Sutcliffe, and identified by his wife Dorothy by the blind over the engine, which was always pulled up when it was being driven. This was the first tractor Gordon ever bought and cost him about £10.00. Note the starting handle on the front, and the tin can covering the exhaust to prevent water getting in when it rained. Both Fordson tractors (refer to omeka item # 64 for the other one) were bought at the auction by local resident Donald Stansfield who then proceeded to renovate them. There are views over to Colden Valley in the background, and Colden School can be seen directly behind the tractor.

Auction. Following Gordon's death a public auction of his large collection including engineering, motor and farming artefacts was held on his small holding at Blackshaw Head overlooking Colden. It was held on 8th September 2007 and the auctioneers were Silverwoods of Clitheroe. People came from far and wide and many local people attended.

Gordon’s Interests Gordon was a keen motorcyclist and owned a number of motorcycles from classic British manufacturers for example Matchless and Norton. He enjoyed maintaining these bikes and racing with them

Gordon was enthusiastic about all types of machines and spent many happy hours at his smallholding with his vast collection of machines, vehicles and spare parts.

Steve North and Eileen Stewart, Badger Lane, Badger Lane, Blackshawhead.

c 08/09/2007: taken

Made available by: Steve North and Eileen Stewart, SHED members.

Edited by: Ged and Monica Haley and Edith Bowman of SHED

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English

Scanned still image

Omeka item id #: 70

Original filename: IMGP7957.JPG