Family mark 100-year anniversary of their farm by raising funds for charity

A Valleys family are celebrating 100 years of farming at Maes Bach in Tonteg, Pontypridd by fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

In 1924, Alfie, from Hereford, bought a family farm from Marquis of Bute. Since then, each generation has taken a keen interest in working on the land. It is now run by Alfie’s grandson, Clive Johnson.

Clive said: “Alfie, my grandfather, originally came from Hereford. He moved to Ynysybwl and bought our family farm 100 years ago.

“My son Gwyn works with us, he is the fourth generation to farm here and my grandson Gethin, who is 7 years old, is also showing an interest.

“This is such an important milestone for us, we’re so proud of the fact that the Johnsons can mark this incredible anniversary – a century on this farm.”

Clive, alongside tractor enthusiasts Mike Back and John Gray, decided to celebrate the anniversary by hosting an event for the community.

He said: “We wanted to put Pontypridd on the map and offer a warm Valleys welcome to people who may not have reason to visit here. We are proud of where we live; it is a beautiful area full of history.

“We created a group called the ‘Tractor Boys of Pontypridd’ and decided to organise a tractor fun run.

“Usually farm events happen in the Vale of Glamorgan, where there are obviously many more farmers – so we wanted to showcase the area and help a good cause at the same time.”

The family chose to support the Wales Air Ambulance, an all-Wales Charity who deliver lifesaving advanced medical care to those who have suffered a life or limb-threatening illness or injury.

The service is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

Clive’s family helped with the event and his daughter Mair promoted it online.

She said: “We wanted to support Wales Air Ambulance because it is a crucial charity. Farming can be a dangerous job and there is a certain amount of risk involved on every farm.

“Farmers across Wales very often work in isolation on farms which are very rural. This event highlighted the excellent job that the Wales Air Ambulance does by providing highly qualified medics on the scene and being able to bring A and E to the location.’’

Clive’s efforts to raise awareness resonated with communities beyond his own, with over thirty vehicles joining the ‘Three Peaks of Pontypridd’ event.

Clive continued: “We couldn’t believe the response that we had. People came on tractors from as far west as Margam and from Aberthaw near the coast.

“People joined us in vintage tractors and modern tractors as well as quad bikes and 4 x 4 vehicles.”

Those taking part started at Maes Back before making their way to the Garth Mountain where they were treated to ‘breathtaking views of the valley’. They continued through local villages before finishing at a local’s property which is home to a vintage tractor collection.

The event raised a staggering £2,100 for the Charity.

Mair continued: “It really caught people’s imagination. It’s started a conversation about the work of the Charity, and so many people have shared their stories about how they have come into contact with the service.

“We couldn’t believe the donations and support that we received. Local businesses donated raffle prizes and people who couldn’t come on the day have donated as they feel it is such a worthwhile cause.”

Mark Stevens, Head of Fundraising and High Value Partnerships at Wales Air Ambulance, said: “The whole team at the Wales Air Ambulance wants to extend a huge congratulations to the Johnson family!

“We are truly humbled to have been chosen as the beneficiary of this event. We value our relationship with the rural community and are grateful for the support of the Tractor Boys of Pontypridd.

“Every year, we need to raise £11.2 million to keep our helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraisers like this enable us to serve the people of Wales and save lives. A massive thank you to all those involved.”