STAFF at a Teesdale country store are gearing up for a charity tractor run in memory of their colleague.
A convoy of vintage and modern tractors will take to the dale’s roads next month in memory of the late Jane Hogarth, who was the former branch supervisor at Carrs Billington in Barnard Castle.
Ms Hogarth, who lived in Rookhope, had worked at the agricultural store, on Montalbo Road for 24 years, having started as a shop assistant and working her way up.
Ms Hogarth lost her battle with cancer in August last year aged 46.
Her colleagues are now organising a memorial tractor run in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Ms Hogarth’s husband, Andrew, will also be taking part.
Machinery salesman Marc Thorn, who is leading the event, said: “It is the first time we have done something like this but it is something I have wanted to do for a while. I thought it would be a good idea to do a memorial run for Jane and I know she was getting support from Macmillan so it is a good way of making money for the charity.
“Jane was very well respected in the farming community. Everyone knew her.
“All the farmers knew her and would come in to deal with her. She was very formal and straight to the point but people liked that. She was very good at her job.”
The fundraising event will take place on Sunday, March 11. The tractors will leave Carrs Billington in Barnard Castle at 10am prompt. Although the exact route has not yet been finalised, people taking part can expect a ride up to Rookhope and Weardale, over to Langdon Beck and back down into Barnard Castle. An optional pie and peas lunch will be served in The Rookhope Inn part way through the ride.
All tractors must be insured by their owners and passengers must be seated. Entry costs £15 per tractor and £5 per passenger. Lunch is £5.
Mr Thorn said: “We have had a fair few people show an interest and take an entry form. It is open to everyone. I am hoping to get about 40 or 50 tractors which I think we will do. It was a big loss for us here in Barnard Castle when Jane died. Now we are raising money for a good cause in her memory.”
Area sales manager Gordon Bell added: “I have worked here for 11 years and worked with Jane all that time. Jane knew the customers so well. She didn’t really like being fussed or the centre of attention so she will be laughing at us doing this. She is a big miss.”
Entry forms can be picked up in store or downloaded from the Carrs Billington (Barnard Castle) Facebook page. For information contact Mr Thorn on 01833 637537 or 07866 540477. All entries must be received by Tuesday, March 6.
