Cider Update

The Cider has been successfully pressed and is now fermenting (we hope).


A really successful day 10 Gallons. Loving Our Work!


Left to Right Rob 'Chaffinch' McPherson, Phil 'Oo Ar' Claridge, John 'She thinks my Tractors Sexy' Gilbert, Geoff 'Flat Cap' Taylor.

Olives, Apples and Tractors

More of a social update than a Tractor refurbishment blog. However, as its part of the story it goes in the blog !
Saturday, petrol tank off and fuel tap removed, blockage found on the reserve side of the tank as suspected. New toolbox and ignition switch fitted. However the most important job is to fabricate a bracket so I can mount a tow ball in order to tow my trailer.









The trailer being the preferred method of conveyance (plus two Straw bales – well done Phil) to the Sweet Olive Restaurant for (left to right) Rob,Geoff, Phil and Kevin.




A 20min or so drive, smiles on everybody’s faces and the general acceptance that being towed by a vintage tractor in a trailer with a beer in hand is the only way to travel!
Above, proud owner, Tillie and guests.

Come Sunday, a further plan is hatched to use the tractor and trailer to go scrumping around the village in order to gather a crop for next weeks cider making project. The scrumping ends down the Red Lion where the ‘Cider Boy’s’ and Tillie are targeted by some local country Girls.

Tillie and the ‘Cider Boys & Girls’ with a bumper crop.

Left- top to bottom Mia, Sharon, Dor's, The Vickster, Minster

Center - Tillie, trailer and lots of Apples

Right - top to bottom John, Phil, Geoff

Road Legal

So having returned from holiday. I have two free days to spend on the tractor. I've set myself two tasks, the first (on Thursday) to take my documentation to the DVLC offices in Oxford in order to obtain a registration document and registration plate number.

Full of confidence, I arrived at the offices. A 45 min wait according to the ticket/queueing system. H'm, not a good start. 40 mins later, my turn has come. I present all my documents, plus four photos of the tractor only to be told that the tractor may need to inspected ! Surely not, more delay.

When I ask why ? the less than helpful assistant, is clearly only use to dealing with the standard lost tax disc type enquiries. Anyway, I leave all the information with her and leave somewhat crest fallen. I had hoped the whole process would have been far simpler.

The second task I have planned is to start the process of removing all the old layers of paint from tractors gearbox and back axle (see below).

A day later I'm pleased with the results and much to my surprise a envelope arrives today with a Tax Disc and confirmation of my registration number plate. I can only assume someone at the DVLA office has applied some common sense.

Re infused with excitement, I spend Saturday, applying the registration number to the front of the tractor, more painting, attaching my new tax disc and adding Tillie's name' to left hand side of the bonnet.

Tillie, Taxed, and Named.