Outing to Jan Randell - 4 October 2014

Visit to Jan Randell at Lothair.
Early departure from Vryheid in our modern cars for a day to be spent on the farm of Jan Randell at Lothair.
Our tractor enthusiasts, namely Harvie, Neels, Cassie, Leon, Pieter, Dirkie, Cornell, Jaco vw and Jaco vr, had a wonderful and interesting day.
For some of us that do not know Jan Randell, he is a prominent businessman and successful farmer in the area and as a hobby has a great passion for the restoration of tractors and stationary engines.   His collection, possibly being the largest in the country, is visited by various enthusiasts throughout the year.
The collection comprises of restored tractors and various classics dating as far back as the early 1900's, with over 200 restored tractors that are housed in large warehouses.
Jan made available a large quantity of fuel and our members had a field day starting the various tractors, as can be seen by the photos.
Jan Randell, being an accomplished pilot, offered Pieter & Chantell a flight over the farm and they were certainly privileged to be given this opportunity.
The hospitality of Jan Randell was reciprocated by the members with a braai enjoyed by all.
For those who have not shared in the experience of visiting this collection of tractors, one must certainly diarise a day in the future.   The VVCC is very privileged to have Jan Randell as an honorary member of our club.
Our thanks to Jan Randell for the hospitality and time shared with our fellow members and further to the great interest and effort undertaken by himself in the preservation of this wonderful collection.

Submitted by Des Lemmon-Warde