Jim Thomas – Etonian Chapter of St John No 209
Jim was brought up in the Barkham area of Berkshire where his father and uncles were involved in dairy farming. The family also owned a bottling plant and made regular milk deliveries. As with all children in farming families, Jim quickly grew up and became involved in handling animals and, more importantly, machinery – often getting up at 5.00am. He was driving tractors around the farm at the age of seven so it was not surprising that he passed his driving test at sixteen, and it was this early interest in machinery that was to become a lifelong passion.
Above: Jim Thomas
Jim left school at fifteen to begin work on the farm and to attend Burchetts Green Agricultural College. He soon found that his interest in animals was not as great as his interest in machinery and, unknown to his father; he transferred to a 2 year course in diesel engineering. This, in turn led to his interest in “two stroke surface ignition engines” – don’t ask me! Let’s just say that a lot of old tractors have this type of engine!
A lifetime in farming has allowed him to pursue his passion for collecting old tractors. I was fortunate recently to be invited to visit his property where he has some seventy tractors stored in various barns and outbuildings. At first glance his collection looks like a lot of old “rust buckets” but Jim assured me that, unlike old cars, restoration of old tractors detracts from their interest and value. The main consideration is that they are all in running order. Jim travels the world in pursuit of tracking down old tractors and regularly visits Australia, the United States and Europe. Any tractors or spare parts located are then shipped back to the United Kingdom in a container. One can only imagine the look of shock on the driver’s face when he unloads the container and finds himself faced with what looks like a pile of rubbish. Jim also searches for old continental tractors which he then ships back to Australia.
During my visit to view Jim’s collection, my eye was drawn to a smart, unusual looking tractor which turned out to be a German Air Force tractor of the Second World War which would have been used for towing aircraft around the airfield. In addition, Jim told me that some of his French/German farm equipment has been featured in the filming of “Saving Private Ryan” and “Band of Brothers”.
Jim and his wife Christine annually host a Barn Dance in aid of the Duchess of Kent Trust. This Dance is held in the Barn where his tractors are stored so this involves moving them all out on to the grass – hence the need to ensure they are all in running order.
Jim welcomes visitors to view his collection, but be prepared to clamber over bits and pieces of tractor which are everywhere! If collecting tractors is not enough, Jim and Chris (who appears to know as much about tractors as does Jim!), also collect old motor bikes and bicycles. If it is made of metal and has been used on a farm they collect it!
Jim was initiated into the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope No 574 in 1994 and became Master in 2003 and subsequently the DC. He is to be appointed Provincial AGDC in September 2010. He was Exalted into the Hungerford Chapter and joined the Etonian Chapter of St John in 2004, becoming the First Principal in 2009. During his year as First Principal he visited all thirty eight Chapters in the Province and has been a first class ambassador for Royal Arch Freemasonry. Both Jim and Chris find time to do voluntary work at Lord Harris Court. When asked what he enjoys about Royal Arch Freemasonry Jim replied “The reason I like the Royal Arch is that you can work according to your capability, whether as Second Assistant Sojourner or for the more enthusiastic the three Lectures. In addition, there are a number of different workings e.g. Aldersgate, Domatic, Complete and Warwickshire and great variations. I have found visiting to have been a great experience and I have been made to feel very welcome by the Chapters and Provincial team.”
