Shaun Gregg, junior warden of Hawkshead Lodge No 4354, is both an active Freemason and a very busy member of the local community in South Lakeland. As official piper to the Furness and District Tractor Run, which raises sponsorship money from participants in aid of St Marys Hospice, Shaun has piped the run out and back home every year except for the first. On the very first run back in 2019, the organisers were amazed by people’s support, taking a considerable donation of just over £4,900 to the hospice.
Following COVID, the second event was run in September 2021 taking 60 tractors from its start point of Grizebeck, being seen off by the Lakeland Piper, Shaun. More recently, Shaun has been joined by his young apprentice Tristan Sewell. They are an integral part of the show at both start and finish line and pop up along the route to offer further support and musical interludes. The number of spectators who turn out to support the run is truly humbling, local people supporting a local cause in all weathers.
Two regular events now run annually: the summer run, on the first Sunday in September, covering just over 40 miles over the course of the day. This is a more rural route with scenic off-road sections, which can be challenging for the wide range of tractors from the vintage to newer models seen out on the route. It’s felt that this one is all about the driver experience, although there are still plenty of opportunities for spectators to come along and enjoy the show, having a lunch break at a halfway point provides an opportunity for drivers to enjoy a well-earned catch up before they set off on the next half of the tour.
The Santa Special was introduced in 2022 running on the first Saturday in December on an evening. A slightly shorter route covering just over 30 miles, taking around three and half hours, visiting local towns and villages and bringing a real festive show to the local communities then finishing off with supper, raffle and a presentation of ‘the best dressed tractor’.
The drivers have gone from strength to strength, taking time to decorate their tractors with all things Christmas, but maintaining the great range of tractors. This isn’t a deterrent to the vintage tractors with no cabs, those drivers are 100% committed to the cause, the tractor run is so fortunate to have them on board. The newer, more comfortable big beasts also give a great show for all generations to enjoy.
With the introduction of a JustGiving page, a raffle and sponsorship, this year the summer run was able to raise just over £7,000. Over the years a social media profile has gradually built, via the dedication of the drivers and the support of the local community raising fantastic amounts in sponsorship. This year, a friend of the tractor run was supported in his endeavour of running from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
Organisers staged a one-off event running over a slightly shorter route through towns and villages to raise awareness of his upcoming challenge. This wasn’t a sponsored event, as such, but once again drivers donated to the cause and with the raffle and local community support, £3,170.00 was added to his St Mary’s Just Giving page. The running total to date, which doesn’t include this year’s Christmas Run, is £84,522.06
The local community have really got behind the Furness and District Tractor Runs, coming out whatever the weather to show their support to our drivers, we are excited for announce our recent 2025 Santa Special total once all donations are in and we look forward to next year’s events and where it takes us. Shaun and Tristan look forward to seeing you all at the roadside, for many years to come.