On Sunday, October 5, the ploughmen of Defynnog Vintage Club gathered for their annual autumn ploughing day.

A nine-acre field of corn stubble was once again kindly provided by Andrew Mathews and his family at Aberbran Fawr Farm.

After a long, dry summer, recent rain had made conditions near perfect for the vintage enthusiasts to practise their skills.

The tractors made light work of the corn stubble field at Aberbran Fawr
The tractors made light work of the corn stubble field at Aberbran Fawr (.)
A fine turnout of tractors helped make light work of the field
A fine turnout of tractors helped make light work of the field (.)
Club members set their furrows in near-perfect conditions after recent rain
Club members set their furrows in near-perfect conditions after recent rain (.)

The headland and plots were marked out by club members Mike Yeats and Elwyn Jones, and soon after 10:30am the ploughmen set about their work.

The recognised tractor manufacturers were well represented, with Ferguson, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Fordson, International, John Deere and Case International all in attendance. Two- and three-furrow general purpose and semi-digger ploughs were the order of the day.

With 11 tractors on the ground and the potential for 30 furrows to be turned, the ploughmen made quick work of the nine acres, and by 1pm refreshments were taken.

The ploughmen of Defynnog Vintage Club at work during the autumn ploughing day
The ploughmen of Defynnog Vintage Club at work during the autumn ploughing day (.)
Defynnog Vintage Club meets on the first Wednesday of every month at The Tanners Arms, Defynnog
Defynnog Vintage Club meets on the first Wednesday of every month at The Tanners Arms, Defynnog (.)

2025 has been a successful and enjoyable year for Defynnog Vintage Club. The year kicked off with a spring ploughing day, courtesy of the Havard family at Llwynstyffilin, Defynnog.

Throughout the year, the club attended the Defynnog Easter Egg Hunt, Brecon Show, Boatside Rally, and Sennybridge Show. Members enjoyed a warm West Wales welcome during their October visit to Mr Fred Jones’s vintage collection at Penhill Farm, Penrhiwllan.

Monthly meetings, talks, a treasure hunt, and a barbecue have all been enjoyed this year. Looking ahead, Sunday, November 16 will see the club hold its autumn charity tractor run, raising money for Ysgol Penmaes, Brecon.

2026 promises to be another eventful year for the club, especially with Breconshire set to be the host county for the Royal Welsh Show.

New members are always welcome to join, and meetings are held at The Tanners Arms, Defynnog, on the first Wednesday of each month at 8pm.