The Restoration of Bertie: A Vintage Leyland 245 Raises for Charity

A labour of love has breathed new life into a classic piece of agricultural history. Tobias Wedgwood and his wife Heather, owners of the YouTube and Instagram Father and Son Tractors, have meticulously restored a 1970s Leyland 245 tractor, affectionately named Bertie, for a very special purpose: to raise awareness and funds for Tourettes Action, the UK's leading charity supporting people with Tourettes syndrome. Their restoration journey is not just about reviving a tractor; it's about reviving hope, community spirit, and the joy of giving back.

Meet Bertie: The Leyland 245

The Leyland 245, produced between 1972 and 1984, is a stalwart of British agricultural heritage. Known for its robustness and versatility, the 245 model was a favourite among farmers for its 50-horsepower engine, reliable transmission, and sturdy build. Produced in England, it weighs approximately 2,111 kg, with a length of 320 cm and a height of 230 cm, making it a commanding presence in any field.

Bertie, however, was far from pristine when the Wedgwoods first encountered him. Years of exposure to the elements had left their mark: rust gnawed at the bodywork, the steering required careful attention, and the wiring harness was a tangled web of frayed connections. The engine block, too, needed a thorough inspection to ensure it could still roar to life after decades of silence.

A Restoration to Remember

The Wedgwoods' restoration process was nothing short of transformative. Every panel of Bertie's body was stripped back to bare metal, sanded, primed, and painted to a showroom finish. The steering system was disassembled, repaired, and reassembled with precision, ensuring smooth handling for the charity runs ahead. The wiring harness, a labyrinth of wires, was replaced entirely, a task that required patience and a steady hand to avoid any electrical gremlins.

The engine, the heart of Bertie, was the most critical component. The Wedgwoods conducted a full service, inspecting the block for wear and tear, replacing worn parts, and ensuring the tractor's mechanical soul was as healthy as the day it left the Leyland factory. New tyres, courtesy of Tractor Tyres Direct, were fitted free of charge by their generous sponsors, Phillips Tyres of Shepton Mallet, ensuring Bertie could tackle any terrain with confidence.

From Rust to Roadworthy: The Power of Community

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What makes Bertie's story truly special is the spirit of collaboration that brought him back to life. The Wedgwoods' restoration work is a testament to the power of community and shared passion. Their book, How to Restore a Vintage Tractor: A Beginner's Guide to Restoration, is a labour of love in itself, offering practical advice and encouragement to others embarking on similar projects. Available for just £10 via [email protected], the book has already become a go-to resource for tractor enthusiasts across the UK.

Bertie's adventures are documented on Instagram (@fatherandsontractors) and YouTube, where followers can join the Wedgwoods on their journey from the workshop to the charity runs. Each post is a celebration of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the joy of restoring not just machinery, but also a sense of purpose.

Raising Awareness for Tourettes Action

Tourettes Action is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting individuals like Tobias with Tourette syndrome and their families.

Bertie's charity runs are more than just a spectacle, they are a statement. Each mile he travels, each crowd he meets, is an opportunity to shine a light on Tourettes syndrome, challenges stereotypes, and inspires conversations about inclusion and understanding. The Wedgwoods' goal is simple: to make a difference, one tractor ride at a time.

How You Can Support

If you'd like to follow Bertie's adventures or support Tourettes Action, you can:

• Follow@fatherandsontractorson Instagram and YouTube for updates.