^ Students of the Dept of Agricultural Engineering, Nafferton Farm, 1980
For many members of the Otterburn Society, working the land has always been far more than a pastime. As graduates of Newcastle University’s Department of Agricultural Engineering, farming and machinery are woven into their lives. Long before lectures, laboratories and design projects, many had spent their formative years in the countryside, learning about tractors, implements and machinery on farms and in workshops. It was therefore no surprise that the Department of Agricultural Engineering brought together students with remarkably similar backgrounds and a shared enthusiasm for practical engineering.
Those common interests also fostered a desire to improve agriculture through innovation. As young engineers, many believed that engineering could make a real difference to farming. While some chose research, others pursued design, but all shared the conviction that there was always a better way of doing things.
^Members of the Deltavator design team making assembly adjustments on prototype 1
Several of today’s Otterburn Society members, including Nick, Mike, Basil and John, found themselves in the Deltavator design group. Dan’s concept for a revolutionary soil tillage machine was decades ahead of its time. His vision challenged conventional cultivation methods and proposed a completely new approach to preparing a seedbed. Inspired by his enthusiasm, the undergraduate design teams devoted themselves to transforming those ideas into reality.
Through countless hours in the soils lab, dark room, workshop and field, the students developed the concept, built prototypes, undertook testing and refined the design.
What emerged was the beginning of an entirely new genre of tillage machine. The principles established during those early years have subsequently been adopted, refined and developed by agricultural machinery manufacturers across the world, testament to just how far ahead of its time the original concept had been.
For the 44th anniversary Conference of the Otterburn Society, Treasurer Alastair Scarborough invited members to the picturesque Hampshire village of Dogmersfield.
Members gathered on the Friday of Otterburn to begin the conference with a visit to Newbury Racecourse. Both the DCPA and the Treasurer have previously enjoyed notable success on the turf at Salisbury, so were both quietly optimistic that history might repeat itself. November racing, however, has a rather different character from a summer meeting. Tweed jackets, warm coats and sturdy footwear replaced linen shirts and sunglasses, while the crisp autumn air provided a timely reminder that the Flat season was drawing to a close.
Nevertheless, spirits remained high as members studied the form, debated the merits of each runner and enjoyed an excellent afternoon’s racing. On this occasion, however, fortune chose to smile elsewhere, and although the winnings proved elusive, the good company and good conversation ensured the afternoon was every bit as successful as the betting was not.
Following the afternoon at Newbury, the Treasurer generously welcomed members to his home in Dogmersfield for the traditional Friday evening supper. Conversation flowed as readily as the refreshments and everyone sat down to enjoy one of Alastair’s signature suppers. His renowned shepherd’s pie, followed by generous helpings of homemade apple crumble, proved every bit as popular as always. The meal was accompanied by a generous supply of Warminster cider. It was a relaxed and convivial occasion, providing the perfect opportunity to pick up conversations where they had been left the previous year, exchange stories from university days and set the tone for another memorable Otterburn weekend.
One of the enduring attractions of the annual Otterburn Conference is the opportunity to take part in a team activity before gathering for presentations.
As Treasurer, it fell to Mr Scarborough to select the conference activity, and his choice proved an inspired one. The Saturday of Otterburn saw the inaugural Otterburn Society Ploughing Match, an event that immediately felt as though it had always belonged in the conference programme from the very beginning.
Alastair had chosen an iconic Ferguson TE20 tractor coupled to a vintage Ferguson plough, precisely the combination on which many members had first been taught to plough during their undergraduate practical classes at Nafferton in the autumn of 1979. For some, climbing into the driver’s seat brought back memories that had lain dormant for more than four decades. Familiar techniques quickly returned as members adjusted the plough, set the first furrow and rediscovered skills learned as undergraduates.
The day began well, although, what has now become vintage machinery, has a habit of reminding its operators that reliability is never guaranteed. Progress was interrupted when the engine began to falter, eventually revealing a partially blocked carburettor together with contamination in the fuel system. The carburettor was dismantled and cleaned, the fuel tank flushed through and, before long, the faithful little Grey Ferguson was back at work.
It was a fitting reminder that practical engineering is often less about having the right answer immediately and more about understanding how a machine works, diagnosing faults logically and working together to solve them. Several members quickly recognised the symptoms and set about resolving the problem with quiet confidence born of experience. Others wisely left the investigation to those already immersed in the task, providing encouragement, advice when appropriate and ensuring that there was no shortage of willing spectators. As with so many engineering projects, every contribution helped the day move forward.
Once the wee grey Fergie was back in service, the ploughing continued uninterrupted throughout the afternoon and well into the evening.
Remarkably, every member appeared to be a natural behind the wheel. The first few yards of each opening furrow quickly dispelled any suggestion that more than four decades had passed since their last encounter with a Ferguson plough. The practical instruction received as undergraduates in the autumn of 1979 had clearly left a lasting impression.
Once seated behind the wheel, the familiar sequence of setting the plough, choosing a straight line and balancing speed with depth seemed to return almost instinctively. It was evident that the knowledge acquired during that time at Nafferton had never really been lost, merely waiting for the right opportunity to be put to use again.
Furrow followed furrow until dusk finally brought proceedings to a close. By the time members returned to the hotel they were exhausted, but there was also a quiet sense of satisfaction. The day’s achievement had been earned through teamwork, practical engineering and plenty of determination, qualities that have always characterised graduates of the Department of Agricultural Engineering.
Inaugural ploughing match of the Otterburn Society
Later that evening, members assembled in the conference room at the Warbrook House Hotel for their annual conference. The conference agenda can be read here.
As always, the conference presentations demonstrated both the breadth of members’ interests and the enthusiasm with which they continue to pursue them.
Karl opened the proceedings with a fascinating presentation on the styling of classic ladies’ couture. Drawing upon a subject that he has studied both academically and in practice over many years, he explored the evolution of design, craftsmanship and timeless elegance. His depth of knowledge and obvious passion for the subject ensured that the audience was both informed and entertained.
John then transported members rather further afield with an account of life in Malaysia. His presentation combined wonderful scenery, local culture and the challenges of exploring the hill country in a Series II Land Rover. His tales of travel served as a reminder that adventure is often best enjoyed at a leisurely pace behind the wheel of a classic vehicle.
Jeremy returned everyone to engineering and history with an intriguing examination of the Roman groma. He explained how this deceptively simple surveying instrument may have been used to establish remarkably straight roads across difficult terrain, demonstrating the ingenuity of Roman engineers and provoking lively discussion on the practicalities of ancient surveying techniques.
Basil introduced members to his latest business venture, The Warminster Cider Co. From the selection of apples through to fermentation and bottling, he described the challenges and rewards of producing a traditional cider. Given the generous quantities sampled throughout the weekend, members were left in little doubt as to the quality of the finished product.
Randall spoke passionately about a Three Peaks Challenge, a charitable initiative to which he has devoted considerable time and energy. By bringing together participants to climb each of the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within twenty-four hours, the challenge has raised significant sums for worthwhile causes while encouraging teamwork, resilience and personal determination. His presentation was an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved when enthusiasm is combined with a desire to make a positive difference.
Andrew provided an engaging retrospective on milk quotas, recalling one of the most significant changes to British agriculture during his professional career. His presentation prompted many memories of an era that shaped farming businesses for decades and generated lively discussion among those who had experienced it first-hand.
Alan lightened proceedings with the story of his latest acquisition, a delightfully compact yellow caravan. Although modest in size, it was evidently full of character, and members were left wondering how something so small could generate such obvious pride and affection from its owner.
Alastair concluded the presentations with a thoughtful reflection on his experiences of dealing with money, wealth and the sometimes surprising influence that greed can exert on judgement and decision-making. Drawing upon personal experience and carefully observed examples, he reminded members that integrity and sound judgement are qualities that remain invaluable, regardless of circumstance.
An excellent dinner was served.
After dinner the Chairman, Basil Firth, called the AGM to order.
The Chairman opened proceedings by expressing the Society’s sincere thanks to Alastair Scarborough for organising an outstanding Otterburn conference. Particular praise was reserved for the inaugural Society Ploughing Match, an inspired addition to the programme that many agreed deserved an immediate place among the Society’s established traditions.
The election of officers followed in the customary manner.
Jerry was unanimously entrusted with the continuing stewardship of the Otterburn Journal as Editor-in-Chief,
Karl accepted the office of Treasurer, and
Alastair was duly elected Chairman.
The absence of contested elections was interpreted either as overwhelming confidence in the successful candidates or, perhaps more likely, a collective reluctance among the membership to take on any additional responsibilities.
Either way, the Society once again found itself in capable hands for the year ahead.
The following prizes were awarded:
The Wolfgang award, for literary excellence, C B Firth.
The Otterburn challenge cup, Alastair Scarborough, in acknowledgement of his success in winning the Inaugural Ploughing Match.
