This year’s Christmas Tractor Run was, once again, a truly heartwarming community night – and we were honoured to be the final stop on such an amazing community event.
The run itself began at the Ewe & Lamb, where beautifully decorated tractors – decked out with everything from sleighs to reindeer and twinkling wheels – gathered to start the festive route.
The drive through Rolvenden village was something to behold. Crowds lined the roads, hooting horns rang out, and carols played as our young Christmas Elves – Florence, Jessica, Betsy, Lily, plus adult helpers Fran, and Taryn – walked up Layne Hill with donation buckets in hand. The generosity from everyone was overwhelming, and the smiles said it all. Sue & Margaret did an incredible job of selling the raffle tickets and being on hand all evening.
At The Star, we were ready and waiting with our festive BBQ, which was a huge hit on the night. The garden filled quickly, drinks were flowing, and Adam’s snow machine brought the magic as our family’s Father Christmas made his arrival to the delight of children and adults alike.
We also hosted the children’s colouring competition, which brought a splash of colour and festive fun to the evening, thank you to Andrea for organising that! The effort that went into each one was just brilliant.
The raffle, bursting with fantastic prizes, was a huge success – with heartfelt thanks to Harvey’s Brewery and Booker for their generous donations.
The Best Dressed Tractor was judged by Edward Barham, who awarded the prize to Mark White of White Land Solutions Ltd. Edward said, “I thought the lights wrapped around the wheels made it a lot of fun,” and in true community spirit, Mark donated his £50 prize straight back into the fundraising pot.
Thanks must also go to Korkers and the Hoad family for providing vital parking, Edward Barham for opening the Cornex Garage site,
This event began in 2024 when Rosie and Ed’s daughter Mollie wanted to join a tractor run but couldn’t find a space – so Ed said, “Let’s make our own,” and the rest is history. Rosie says that the goal was never distance or numbers, but to bring the community together, support our local pubs, and raise vital funds for Rolvenden Pre-School and Primary School – and that’s exactly what they’ve done.
Thanks to The Basil Russell Trust’s £1000 donation, the run could go ahead cost-free, meaning every pound raised goes directly to the children.
Rosie & Eddy are still counting donations, but the total raised is looking incredible – estimated to be around £2350.
From all of us at The Star – Rosie & Eddy Tompsett and their volunteers, the farmers, the families, the local businesses, and everyone who came out on the night – thank you. Your support means everything, and we’re proud to be a part of something so special.
Here’s to this years – see you in 2026!
Yve,, Lynn, Mick (aka FC) and the Star Bar Team x
