Tractor Services manager Robbie Romeril Picture: TONY PIKE (00712370)

A JERSEY company has been providing its services at the Battle of Flowers free of charge for almost four decades.

Since 1973, Tractor Services has had two tractors on the parade arena every year ready to tow any floats that break down.

Robbie Romeril, the manager of Tractor Services, said that the company began attending the parade 37 years ago when they took over the franchise for the Massey Ferguson brand of tractors.

‘Previously St Helier Garages had the franchise, so they used to go to the Battle to do this. When we took that over we decided to carry the tradition on,’ explained Mr Romeril. ‘We are there in case of any breakdowns, although we are no longer needed as much as we once were.

In the earlier days the floats were less reliable but nowadays all of the exhibits are based on a much more modern chassis and engine. Some years we don’t get used at all but it is still great to be a part of it.’
Mr Romeril said that the company take down two tractors each year and have one at either end of the parade arena.

‘We do the job for free because the Battle of Flowers is such a big part of Island life, so we think it is good for local businesses like ours to be involved,’ he said.
‘It is really nice to be a part of it.

‘Also, although the parade is not really connected to agriculture we have always seen it as a good opportunity for us to promote our latest models.’

Commenting on his most memorable Battle memory from the past four decades, Mr Romeril said: ‘The one that always comes to mind is in 1974 when the float carrying Mr Battle, Hughie Green, broke down and I had to tow it. That’s the most important person I’ve ever had to tow.’

And Tony Perkins, the chairman of the Battle of Flowers, said that parade organisers have always appreciated Tractor Services giving their services for free.
‘Really, we hope that they will never have to be used, but it is a safety thing, so it is great to have them there,’ he said. ‘We are very grateful to them for being involved for all of these years.

‘That’s the true spirit of Battle and we are lucky that there’s still people around who are prepared to do things like this for us and to give up there time for free to help make the Battle a success.’