£3k raised for the Children’s Ward and Charlie’s Day Unit at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital at tractor run and Harwood Rise Christmas event in Woolton Hill

Large crowds gathered in Woolton Hill to see in the festive season with the village’s first Christmas tractor run.

On the early evening of December 16, a large fleet of 25 lit-up tractors alongside Santa’s sleigh made their way through the villages of North West Hampshire.

Starting in Hollington, the tractor run passed through Highclere, Penwood and Burghclere before finishing in Harwood Rise in Woolton Hill where hundreds of people were waiting to welcome the spectacular sight.

One of the event organisers, Jenny Graham, said: “The couple of thousand people lining the streets were not disappointed and the atmosphere was amazing as tractor after tractor went past with flashing lights and horns sounding.

“The delight on the children’s and the adults’ faces added to the magic of this new venture for 2023.”

In conjunction with the tractor run, Harwood Rise threw its annual charity Christmas event which raised between £2,500 and £3,000 for charity.

Several of the street’s houses were decorated with impressive lights, and on December 16 there were refreshments, children’s games and a raffle on offer.

There was also a performance from the Watership Brass band and catering from fish and chip specialists Cods & Rockers.

At this year’s event, donations were being collected for the children’s ward and Charlie’s Day Unit at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital.

This was chosen because Mrs Graham and her husband Luke’s 12-year-old-son Alfie was treated there earlier this year.

She said: “We have chosen this good cause because of the care that they gave to Alfie when he was in for five days in June and diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome.

“We were so grateful for their care of Alfie and also know that many families in our community have had to draw on their services and care and many more will need their support in the years to come.

“We felt they were a great cause to support this year through our fundraising efforts.”

You can still donate to the Harwood Rise fundraiser at http://rb.gy/hlz9v2

The organisers of both the tractor run and the Harwood Rise event wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped by giving up their time and to everyone who turned up to support and enjoy the fun.