- 5 weeks ago
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00:00In the heart of glorious North Yorkshire, just outside the historic market town of Thirsk, sits Stony Brough Farm, home to Jean and Steve Green.
00:13Hello, girls.
00:15Side by side for nearly 50 years, in his mid-90s, Steve's one of the oldest working farmers in the country.
00:24Come on, then. Hiya.
00:27These animals just get us out of there.
00:30And while times are changing...
00:33She get going, I'll be all right.
00:35I'm good.
00:36...always there to help...
00:38If in doubt for Mrs. Green, go for the Yorkshire.
00:40...is their long-time vet...
00:42Oh, we seem to like that.
00:45...and friend, Peter Wright.
00:47It's nice to see you looking hunky-dory.
00:49Definitely.
00:50...during these golden years, this couple of proud Yorkshire rare breeds...
00:55Well, I'm Yorkshire born and bred, but I'm in the arm and stick in the head.
00:59...love to embrace their heritage.
01:02This is a deed from 1706.
01:05Whoa!
01:06Man, what's in it, Pete?
01:08...while still moving with the times...
01:10Wow.
01:11...she's got it into her head that she would like it to do.
01:14I'm thinking of four, Rand.
01:15...as the adventures continue...
01:18What a three, lad.
01:20...on this family farm like no other.
01:23Welcome to the ghost hunt.
01:25Oh, wow.
01:26Don't panic on me, it's too old you and...
01:28At home with the greens.
01:42Farmers across Yorkshire and beyond face an uncertain future amid rising costs and taxes.
01:49But they've always been able to count on their tractors.
01:54And at Stonyborough Farm, Steve and Jean Green...
01:59This red house is 15 years, will it?
02:02...have been no exception.
02:05Oh, yeah.
02:06All the residents here...
02:09...are used to seeing their big-wheeled workhorses, Red Devil...
02:14...and the wonderfully-named Silver Dream Machine.
02:18But as the greens look to navigate the tricky terrain, it's hard to escape the fact that age catches up with everyone.
02:28And Steve's trustiest old tractor hasn't been in the field for some time.
02:38This is our job, and I've had our job since I was 25.
02:43We did our jobs with this one.
02:46That's why we call him our job.
02:51I've had him 70 years.
02:53We've got a bit more land, and one tractor wasn't enough.
02:58And my dad sent me to this hill, and our job was there.
03:04And I bought him for £99.
03:08And he said, why do you bring a thing like that?
03:12His tyres were done, and it was covered in lime.
03:18And that's how we got our job.
03:20When I first started, I could only go in bottom gear.
03:29I couldn't get gears.
03:33But I was only young there.
03:37These two have grown old together.
03:39Although, while Steve is still working, aches and pains seem to have got the better of odd job.
03:47Oh, don't enjoy me.
03:51We do a lot to him, like mechanics.
03:54If they're in good shape, well kept, you don't have a lot of bother.
03:59I wonder if he's still running.
04:00No, he's gone.
04:05He's a goner.
04:07But Steve still has a special place in his heart for this little tractor.
04:13Good job is my favourite.
04:15I find it makes me feel good.
04:19It means a lot to me.
04:22It really does.
04:24I wouldn't like to part with him.
04:27They're your livelihood, really.
04:29I really love him.
04:38Hot job, eh?
04:40Hot job isn't the only Stony Brough resident who's been out of action recently.
04:45Just give me a minute to...
04:47Hold on to see, can I take off of you?
04:51It's gross, Daddy Jean.
04:53Suffering with gallstones, Jean was rushed to hospital.
04:57That would seem empty.
05:01I am awfully lonely.
05:03I am.
05:06But a week later...
05:07Nice to see you, Mrs. Green.
05:09Nice to see you, Peter.
05:10It's nice to see you looking hunky-dory.
05:12Jack and Harry.
05:14The future suddenly seemed a little brighter.
05:20I'll miss you, sir.
05:22I'm back.
05:23Things could get a bit stingy.
05:32So, with Jean now resting up like her favourite old pooch...
05:35What is it?
05:36What's this?
05:37Ruben!
05:38Peter is braving Market Day in Thirsk.
05:41Jean hasn't been so good just lately and she's had to have a spell in hospital.
05:45So I thought, well, at least I can help out of it by going and doing a bit of shopping.
05:48But I'm just a bit concerned as well because if I go back with the wrong stuff, I'm going to be in serious trouble.
05:54Hi, Nigel.
05:56Morning, Peter.
05:57Well, I'm out shopping for Mrs. Green and it says marmalade here.
06:04Right, we've got Seville, lemon marmalade or ginger marmalade.
06:09Well, the more choice, the greater the stress.
06:13But I think Mrs. Green will be quite traditional, so I think I'll probably go for the Seville.
06:19Right.
06:21That's lovely.
06:22There you go.
06:23Ah!
06:24Sausages.
06:25What would you recommend?
06:26I'd say the Moroccan spice is always a good one to go for, so it's got a bit of a kick to it.
06:31Well, the woman I'm buying for, she's very, very set in her ways.
06:35And I think if I went back with something that was spicy, I'd get my backside kicked.
06:40So I think I've got to go for something more traditional.
06:42I would recommend the Yorkshire farmhouse, then.
06:45Now you're talking.
06:46If in doubt for Mrs. Green, go for the Yorkshire.
06:49Thank you very much.
06:50Thank you very much.
06:51I used to work just off the Market Square here for many, many years, when the veterinary
06:56practice was in the town itself, and it's lovely to see the market thriving again now.
07:03Given Jean's recent health issues...
07:06Ooh, avocados.
07:07No, not for Mrs. Green.
07:10...Peter's also making sure she'll get her five a day.
07:14Lovely.
07:15Thank you very much.
07:16Thanks, love.
07:17Take care now.
07:18Bye-bye.
07:20I think I've done my job fairly well, really.
07:22And I think I'm going to give myself a pat on the back.
07:28Now, Jean, I'm back.
07:30Where do you want your shopping?
07:31Hey, young man.
07:32Stick it down there somewhere.
07:34Very good.
07:35Cheers, mate.
07:36How are you?
07:37Well, more to the point, how's yourself?
07:40Well, you know, you shouldn't be doing these things.
07:41You should be in here recuperating.
07:42You've given us all a nasty shock, you know.
07:55I can't ever remember you've been poorly before, ever.
08:00During my time as a vet, 40 odd years.
08:02I'll tell you what, Steve, it wasn't nice when Jean was in hospital, was it?
08:06Oh, no.
08:07The cats were unhappy.
08:08Everybody knows.
08:09They all knew, Steve, didn't they, that something wasn't right.
08:12Well, I've got to say, to coin one of your phrases, you're looking hunky-dory, Jack and
08:17Harry.
08:18I am, aren't I?
08:19I'm pleased to see you home again.
08:24Yeah, tell my son.
08:25Back to the bandit living.
08:27Well, I've brought you shopping, and I've got some healthy stuff, so there's plenty of
08:31veg in there, but there's a shortage of pork pies and stuff like that.
08:34Well, no, don't know about it, son.
08:37Right, well, I'll sling me hook.
08:41I'll come back and see you soon.
08:42I'll don't see you before I'll see you through a window.
08:45All right.
08:46See you, Pete.
08:47Thanks a million.
08:50With Jean and Steve going through such a tough time recently.
08:53Are you all going to bed?
08:55Peter's come up with an idea to reignite their spirits.
08:59It's Stephen Green's 96th birthday coming up very shortly.
09:04I'll go to bed, eh?
09:06And myself and Lynn have been racking our brains as to what we can get him as a present.
09:10And I've been thinking, what's close to Stephen's heart?
09:14Come on.
09:15I know his tractor, odd job.
09:18And I thought, I know a man that can fix her.
09:24Coming up...
09:25Jean!
09:26Yeah, what do you want?
09:27Peter's odd job mission makes him a Yorkshire man of mystery.
09:30I've been lurking in the shadows, waiting a moment where I can get odd job safely off the premises without Stephen knowing.
09:37A kitten found at a steel yard tests Jean's metal.
09:41And from the oldest farmers to the future.
09:45Run across!
09:46Helping animals isn't just a craze.
09:49I've got twin boys called Ronnie and Reggie.
09:51You've got two little calves you've been looking after, is that right?
09:54Yeah.
09:55One's a bit cooler.
09:56Over the years at Stonyborough Farm, Jean and Steve have given lots of homeless cats a safe and happy future.
10:14We've got 15 now, have we?
10:1715 and a three.
10:19That's the oldest and the youngest.
10:22Eh?
10:23Youngest between three and six weeks.
10:26Oldest at 24 now.
10:28The youngest has just been discovered in unusual circumstances.
10:33She was found at a welding place in a tube.
10:38At a local steel fabricators by welder Jonathan.
10:45I came in looking for some blaster spares and I saw something white move inside that pipe.
10:52So I just put my hand in and this little cat just climbed into my hand.
10:57So I picked it up and cuddled it and it cuddled into my beard.
11:01I think if it had been in here for more than a couple of days it had just died.
11:05There was no food, there was no water.
11:07So the cat wouldn't have survived.
11:09I went in the office and none of them could take it.
11:13So I was left with a dilemma there.
11:16It's like, you know, what do I do?
11:20Thankfully Jonathan is friends with Steve and Jean.
11:24I'm a surrogate mum.
11:26Aunty.
11:27And after hearing the news, Peter's just arrived.
11:31Good morning.
11:32Morning.
11:33How are you?
11:34I've just been bitten today.
11:35He was found in the steel works.
11:37Have you got a name for him yet?
11:38Stardust.
11:39Stardust.
11:40Stardust.
11:41We'd better have a look at him, aren't we?
11:42I don't know.
11:43I think it's a female.
11:44Little lad.
11:45Little boy.
11:46Oh, he's a Tom.
11:47Yeah.
11:48So he's a Ziggy Stardust.
11:49Ziggy Stardust.
11:50Ziggy Stardust.
11:51Yeah.
11:52So I'm just looking for any abnormalities.
11:54Has he got any creepy crawlies?
11:55Has he got any ear mites?
11:56Oh, he's a Tom.
11:57Yeah.
11:58So he's a Ziggy Stardust.
11:59Ziggy Stardust.
12:00Ziggy Stardust.
12:01Yeah.
12:02So I'm just looking for any abnormalities.
12:04Has he got any creepy crawlies?
12:06Has he got any ear mites?
12:08Oh.
12:09Clean as a whistle.
12:11Yes, I know you've got a temper.
12:13Alright, you've got a temper.
12:14I'll make your feet in a minute.
12:16Look what I brought.
12:18Oh, magic feet.
12:20Right.
12:21Well, I'll go and make some milk up.
12:23You'll have to be tricked because Spargel is taking pieces out of me.
12:30He's hungry.
12:31Oh, yeah.
12:32Don't bite the hand that feeds you.
12:35I'll be there as quickly as I possibly can.
12:39This is specially formulated kitten milk for young kittens.
12:44I think this is the proper way to do it, just to check temperature.
12:48Oh, crikey.
12:51Gee, boy.
12:52It sounds as if there's a murder through there.
12:54I'd better get through there quickly with Stardust food.
12:57Otherwise, I think Genie could be lacerated.
13:00Oh, man.
13:02I got a target there.
13:05You got Stardusted?
13:07I got Stardusted, yeah.
13:10Oh, you seem to like that.
13:13Yes, that's nice, isn't it?
13:15Well, I think you're going to be busy all the next day or two, aren't you?
13:18If you see me with plaster, then you'll know what's happened.
13:21I'll know exactly what's happened.
13:23Right.
13:24I'm just going now to give them a worm tablet.
13:28Let's have you.
13:30Oh, you little devil, yeah.
13:33That'll be good.
13:36Was that tasty?
13:38No, it weren't as tasty as that milk, was it?
13:41Oh.
13:42Oh.
13:43I fell.
13:44This is my worm tablet.
13:46I thought it had gone.
13:48Is it here?
13:49This time, young man.
13:50He's a crafty little Stardust.
13:52You're my dick.
13:54I hope you haven't this going on when you're worming Steve.
13:57I think you've won this time, Gene.
13:59I think you've certain it, please.
14:01I'll leave the rest of the milk.
14:03You're a natural, Mrs Green.
14:05A natural.
14:06Right, Gene, I'll leave you with Stardust.
14:09And I know he's in good hands.
14:11I know he's caught you once or twice, Gene,
14:13but I know there's one thing about you, Mrs Green,
14:15that I've always known.
14:16You're very thick-skinned.
14:17On that note, I think I'd better go and get on with some more work.
14:22Nice to see you.
14:24All right, Pete.
14:25Take care.
14:34While Steve is very much from farming's old school...
14:37Get on, you buggers.
14:40It's just been a bit difficult tonight.
14:43That's it.
14:45Over in Huddersfield, two of Yorkshire's youngest farmers
14:48have come to the attention of young vet Rohin.
14:51How are the twins behaving themselves?
14:53Sometimes.
14:54Little terrors, as usual.
14:56Yeah.
14:57Rohin works with their mum, Nurse Leah.
15:01So I've got twin boys called Ronnie and Reggie.
15:04They're coming up to five years old
15:05and they're very lucky that we've got a family farm at home,
15:09which they spend a lot of time on.
15:11I know you said they were quite into it, aren't they?
15:13So they're learning the ropes and hopefully the next generation.
15:17Keep them out of trouble, yeah.
15:18Keep them out of trouble.
15:19We don't want them living up to their names, do we?
15:21While their gangster namesakes ran London's East End...
15:26No, Reggie, don't do it!
15:28..Ronnie and Reggie run this part of West Yorkshire
15:31with the help of older brother Jacob.
15:34Farming's always been in my family.
15:37It started with my granddad who started the farm
15:40and then my mum took over and then my brother.
15:43And hopefully the boys will come and carry on that farm.
15:47Right, tip that in.
15:49Keep the water in the bucket.
15:52They like going down and bedding up the cows and mucking out.
15:56Keep getting all the other way.
16:00And it's the two youngest cows who need extra protection.
16:03Right, come on then, boys.
16:05We've got two little cows here.
16:07One's Barry and one's Jeff.
16:09Unfortunately, one was a twin
16:11and the mum didn't have enough milk to feed both of them.
16:14And the other one, it's mum sadly passed away.
16:17The Kraytwins led the notorious Cockney gang, The Firm.
16:22OK, boys, run across!
16:24But for this, Ronnie and Reggie, it's all about the farm.
16:30So, with one of their calves a bit Moby Dick,
16:33they've been on the dog and bone to their mum's work.
16:36Jeff has got a swollen navel,
16:38so we're just going to get Rohin to have a look at that.
16:41Hi, guys. Hi, Rohin!
16:43Tell you what, you guys look the business.
16:44You look like proper little farmers.
16:47Your mum tells me you've got two little calves
16:49you've been looking after, is that right?
16:50Yeah.
16:51One's a bit cooler.
16:53Right, Leah.
16:54How's it going?
16:55What's the name?
16:56Who's who?
16:57So, Barry's the black one
16:59and Jeff is the brown and white.
17:01Right, so you've got Barry and Jeff.
17:03That's super cute.
17:04Which one's the one with the swollen navel, boys?
17:06It's Jeff.
17:07Is belly button not dried up properly?
17:09Yeah.
17:10Yeah.
17:11So it's good you spotted that.
17:12If that happens and we don't get it treated,
17:13they can become pretty poorly, but...
17:15Well, if that goes...
17:16With you guys looking after him,
17:17if you're on it, we'll get him right.
17:22While there seems to be hope for the future of farming,
17:25Back in Thirsk, Peter's beginning his mission to breathe new life into Stony Brough
17:32by revamping Steve's favourite old tractor, Oddjob.
17:35She's had Oddjob for over 70 years now, and she's not in good fettle.
17:40He's not able to start her.
17:42Oddjob shares her name with James Bond's deadly foe in Goldfinger.
17:47That's it.
17:48But this assignment is making Wright, Peter Wright, more shaken than stirred.
17:56My biggest task is to get Oddjob off the farm so that Stephen doesn't know she's gone.
18:02I'm going to enlist the help of Mrs Green to do this, but we're going to have to do it very covertly.
18:08This is one great mission for Peter Wright, veterinary surgeon.
18:14I'll be lurking in the shadows, waiting a moment where I can get Oddjob safely off the premises without Stephen knowing.
18:22She's a much-loved lovely old lass, this, and it'd be great to see her running again.
18:36With all of Steve's odd jobs done, Peter's ready to pounce.
18:43Sit there, be it.
18:45Psst!
18:46Jean!
18:47Yeah, what do you want?
18:48Psst!
18:49Keep your voice down.
18:53Oh, sorry.
18:54What?
18:55I've got a lobby here to take Oddjob while he's still in the house.
19:00Right.
19:01Do you think we can?
19:02Yeah, of course we can.
19:03I'll be lying on you.
19:05Keep him out of the way, and then we'll go and get Oddjob loaded.
19:09Say no more.
19:11It's not so good as a wink to a blind man.
19:14Right.
19:15OK.
19:16There's more than one way to skin a cat.
19:21Things are going quite well so far.
19:23Rob's now going to get Oddjob loaded onto his trailer.
19:26But one of the problems with Oddjob is that the battery is not being recharged.
19:31So every time Stephen goes to use Oddjob, it's useless.
19:35So he's going to have to, what we call, jumpstart it.
19:39So we'll get Oddjob loaded into the tractor ambulance.
19:44She's temperamental.
19:49Right, we're on.
19:50Steve could never manage her like this, having to jumpstart it all the time.
20:04So she needs a bit of TLC.
20:07And then, hopefully, we'll have her back for Mr. Green's birthday as a nice surprise.
20:14No sign of Steve.
20:18And it looks like Peter's live and vet spy antics have paid off.
20:22I think it would be a lovely surprise for him to come out on his birthday and see that Oddjob has got a smile on her face again and she's ready for some more work after 70-odd years.
20:37Mission accomplished.
20:39Coming up.
20:48Has he got the all clear, mate?
20:49Yeah.
20:50Ronnie and Reggie aim for the head.
20:52Are you checking his brains all right?
20:55Peter meets the kitten saving welder.
20:57Good to shake your onion, man.
20:59And as the tractor team face the reality of Operation Oddjob.
21:02We might have to put one or two late nights in.
21:04Steve gets a taste of the virtual world.
21:07Don't ever say no luck.
21:09I used my friends.
21:11It could have been expensive, that.
21:13Wow.
21:26In Thirsk, a welder at a steel fabricator's recently found a kitten in a pipe.
21:32And as a friend of Gene and Steve Green, Jonathan knew where the stray could forge a bright future.
21:40So how's he doing, Gene?
21:42He's doing all right.
21:44He's come on, he's put weight on.
21:46He made a grand kitten and make a grand cat.
21:49And he's a bit older.
21:51Gene named the kitten Stardust.
21:53He's become part of family, Jonathan.
21:56He might be rough.
21:58He might be savage.
21:59But that's part of life.
22:02So we know he's doing all right.
22:05And you did the best thing you could ever do, which was give us him.
22:09And we could give him a home for you.
22:11He's grown so much.
22:14He's looking really happy.
22:15But yeah, it's like, yeah, just keep a little track on him, see how he's doing.
22:19I'd have took him home if I didn't have dogs.
22:22With Jonathan, Gene and her niece, Emma, all enjoying him, Peter wants a bit of Stardust too.
22:29I'm looking forward to meeting Jonathan.
22:32If there's anyone that rescues a kitten, he's okay in my book.
22:37Hello.
22:38How are you?
22:39I mustn't grumble.
22:40How's yourself?
22:41You're looking very colourful, if you don't mind me saying.
22:43I'm keeping my eye on you now, Pete.
22:46Do you know, I think you'll get daft as you get older, if you don't mind me saying.
22:52Listen to young man at rescue singing.
22:54Jonathan, I'm going to shake your hand, young man.
22:57I think you did a fantastic job, really, in bringing this little kitten here.
23:00Can I have a quick hold of him, please, Jonathan?
23:03Let's have a look at you.
23:05How are you?
23:06Hey.
23:07Are you all right?
23:09He's stunning.
23:10He's such a clean cat as well, isn't he?
23:13And if he hadn't been for this young man, he wouldn't have been here today.
23:16Won't have been alive?
23:17No.
23:18What?
23:19You're his hero, then.
23:20Are you a cat fan?
23:22I've got two dogs, and my dogs are quite old now, so...
23:26Yeah.
23:27Old one's getting grumpy already.
23:28She is.
23:29Well, I think we do as we get older.
23:30I mean, you're all right, but, you know, look what's happened to Mrs Green.
23:34Want to know your uncle when we bounce?
23:37Or are you cruising for a bruising?
23:40I think I'm cruising for a bruising, Mrs Green.
23:43Well, I think you've done marvellously well for him.
23:47So, all I can say is carry on the good work, and well done, Jonathan.
23:52Here we are.
23:58When Jean and Steve aren't caring for their many cats, they're tending to their calves.
24:05And across Yorkshire, some youngsters are following in their footsteps.
24:09Let's have a look under there.
24:10Oh, yeah.
24:11Five-year-old twins, Ronnie and Reggie, with their big brother, Jacob, have been caring for calves in need, Barry and Geoff.
24:19The mum passed away, so here we are with them here.
24:23Bless.
24:24And as their mum, Leah, is a vet nurse, they had a hotline to Rohin when they noticed Geoff's swollen navel.
24:32There is a bit of swelling and redness around it.
24:34And we know with infections that can track in through the navel, if you don't catch it early, they can become really unwell.
24:41What are you doing, Larry?
24:43We're having a listen to his heart and his lung sounds.
24:45Can you have a go listening to his heart?
24:47Yeah.
24:47Stick that, hold it nice and still, and then if you listen for long enough, can you hear it?
24:54It's like a constant little heartbeat there.
24:57It's like this.
24:59Yeah, that's it. You're tapping out the exact rhythm, yeah.
25:01It's that sort of speed, and that is a really good sign to me.
25:04We know he's beating at a normal sort of heart rate for a calf.
25:08After listening to Geoff's heart...
25:11You keep it super still.
25:13Ronnie and Reggie want to be extra thorough.
25:15Are you checking his brains all right?
25:17Has he got the all clear, mate? Yeah.
25:20What's the verdict?
25:22Yeah, run it up.
25:24The twins have given him the all clear, and Jacob's happy too, so I think it's all good.
25:29We'll keep a close eye on it.
25:30I'll give this antibiotic injection, and then are you going to give me a hand after?
25:33Because we'll have to get some of that special magic spray on there too.
25:37Another thing that will help it to heal.
25:39Geoff looks not too bad at all.
25:41I think we've spotted it earlier, and I'm pretty confident if he gets his treatment on board,
25:45he'll do pretty well, especially with these guys around.
25:48There we go. That's the stuff.
25:51Here you go, Reggie.
25:52That's it, honey.
25:52Good boy.
25:53They might have the same names as notorious Cockney gangsters.
25:57Oh, you're getting that everywhere.
26:00But Yorkshire twins, Ronnie and Reggie, are natural-born farmers.
26:05It's nice to see the boys showing an interest.
26:07I'd much rather them be outdoors instead of inside.
26:10Get some out of my hair.
26:12I'm joking.
26:14It's fine.
26:15For many, it's a calling, whether you're 95, or five.
26:23I'm so pleased to see how much all three of these guys, Ronnie, Reggie, and Jacob,
26:28just absolutely love farming.
26:30I like feeding cows.
26:32Because I'm a farmer.
26:34It's a declining industry in the UK, and to see some young kids who are really into it
26:39and love what they do, and most importantly of all, who really care about their animals.
26:45It's really, really heartwarming.
26:47I think farming will be in very good hands if you've got kids like these around.
26:50Bye.
26:52Bye, guys.
26:53Look after the calves to me.
27:03While the next generation of farmers is taking shape...
27:07You're winding.
27:08I'm picking.
27:09...the greens have always done things the old-fashioned way.
27:13Contractions like this, or this in Barra, come out at 1900.
27:19Helps me and Steve a lot, because you can wind up and put them on your back and go.
27:23All these things keep us going and help us out.
27:26I can walk about, I can bend, I can twist.
27:29So I'm all right.
27:31Full of ice!
27:33And traditional is tried and tested when it comes to Steve's tractors.
27:37Oh, this is Silver Dream machine.
27:41My dad had this.
27:42We bought it second-hand.
27:45But after stealing his beloved odd job away for a secret revamp,
27:51Peter's keen to distract him with a taste of the future.
27:54I went to visit my grandson recently, and he had this thing called virtual reality.
28:03And I thought, well, this might be quite interesting, really, for Mr Green to have a look at,
28:10because there was a programme on there that was to do with tractoring.
28:15And I know Steve has a love for his tractors, so much so that they're all named.
28:20And I thought, hmm, this might just bring Steve up into the 21st century.
28:25I can say you're busy, Steve.
28:29I am, yes.
28:30You love your tractors, don't you?
28:32I do, yes.
28:33Well, Steve, I might have a bit of a treat for you here.
28:37What is it, Prater?
28:38Now, it's called virtual reality.
28:41And if you put it on your face, it brings all these images up.
28:45And you can pretend you're sat on a modern tractor when you look through here.
28:50You jump aboard the Silver Dream machine.
28:55I'll get this cranked up.
28:57Oh, aye, I was on it yesterday.
28:59Well, you are a gal, and I am.
29:01That's it.
29:02Right.
29:03Now, I want to put this on now.
29:05Now, get this into position so it's...
29:08Right.
29:09I can see on this phone what you can see on there.
29:14Ah.
29:15What can you see?
29:17Red bonnet and black wings.
29:19Aye.
29:20You can see dials there, can't you, tractor?
29:22Yeah.
29:23Hey, if you look up, you've got a radio up there as well.
29:27Aye.
29:27And a piece of light.
29:29And a sunroof.
29:30You've got all mod comms there, haven't you?
29:32Oh.
29:33Yeah.
29:33These modern tractors, it's like sitting in an armchair.
29:36That's marvellous.
29:38I've never seen out last.
29:40I didn't know they were like this.
29:43Do you think she'll crank up now?
29:45Start.
29:45To start it now, Steve, you've got to turn the key.
29:49Now she's away, Steve.
29:52You've got to go in now.
29:53Aye, you've been here.
29:54Aye.
29:58Wow.
29:58Don't mind that fence.
30:04Don't have been to that fence.
30:06Oh, no.
30:09I just missed fence.
30:10Just missed fence, Steve.
30:12Could have been expensive, that.
30:14I bet Silver Dream Machine would struggle a bit pulling that trail around.
30:18They were, wasn't they?
30:19I'll tell you what, there's no weeds in these fields, have you noticed, Steve?
30:24No, they haven't.
30:26They haven't, haven't they?
30:27No.
30:28You could soon plough 40 acres, couldn't you?
30:31No, of course.
30:31I think you'll be dreaming about this tonight, Steve.
30:34I will.
30:35Yeah.
30:37I can't understand how they can do it like.
30:42Right, Steve, I think we'll park her up and we'll get back into the real world.
30:46Oh, thank you for that, Peter.
30:51Yeah, you're very welcome.
30:52Aye.
30:52Do you think you might trade in the Silver Dream Machine for one of them big new fancy ones?
30:58I shouldn't think so.
31:01Well, I'll tell you what it would be useful for.
31:03Taking Mrs Green down into the shops, wouldn't it?
31:05I would.
31:06Yeah, you'd soon get parked, Steve, with one of them, wouldn't you?
31:10Anyway, on that note, I suppose I'd better go and get some more work done.
31:14I've thoroughly enjoyed that.
31:17Nice to see you, Steve.
31:18Nice to see you, Peter.
31:20I've never seen anything like it.
31:22You'd think it was impossible, wouldn't you?
31:25Technology is marvellous.
31:27But all the technology in the world, I wouldn't swap it.
31:31You can't be the old tractor, really.
31:44Unbeknown to Steve, a few miles away, the race is on to make his tired old tractor oddjob just as fancy and functional as the virtual one.
31:55That'd be quite a nice job.
31:57Happy with that.
31:58Good job for oddjob.
31:59For this birthday surprise, Peter's old pals, Brian and Colin, are his tractor force team.
32:10Our friend Peter came along and said, can you, will you?
32:13Okay, how long have we got?
32:15He said, well, I think you've got two weeks.
32:18I said to Colin, can we do it?
32:19And Colin said, of course we can.
32:20But oddjob, when he arrived, was incredible.
32:24It was really rusty.
32:25The rear wheels were heavily corroded.
32:27It was a bit crusty, was this one.
32:29Awful lot of dirt underneath, oil and grease.
32:32We spent probably four or five hours pressure washing and scraping.
32:36We've sort of shifted heaven and earth to get it to this point.
32:38We've been running about finding parts, cleaned the plugs and points to get the engine running smoothly,
32:44because I think it was quite rough.
32:45Didn't want to start, didn't want to run properly.
32:47One problem was that oddjob had odd wheels.
32:53The rear wheels were probably becoming dangerous.
32:55It looked as though it was going to fall over.
32:58I guess that's old farmers.
33:00They just use whatever they've got at the time.
33:01If they get a puncture they put another wheel on.
33:03It may not match up correctly.
33:05And that's the case with poor old oddjob.
33:08While the running repairs might have been questionable...
33:11I've seen that particular tractor.
33:13There's no doubting Steve's love for oddjob over the past 70 years.
33:19There's oddjob.
33:21Can you see him?
33:23Yeah.
33:24He's up against railings.
33:26That's a long time since.
33:29Yeah, still got that too, we.
33:31Oh, I have.
33:32And being a 1948 Massey Ferguson, oddjob had a very particular paint job.
33:41It was excess paint from the war, and the government sold it off cheap.
33:46And Mr. Ferguson thought it probably was a good idea to use a cheap paint.
33:51This is the original colour.
33:53What was it called, Brian?
33:54Can you remember?
33:56Battleship Grey.
33:57Battleship Grey, yes.
33:58There's nothing nicer than taking something that doesn't work and bringing it back to how it was original,
34:08and sometimes better in actual fact.
34:10When you've finished it, that's a real sense of satisfaction, isn't it, Brian?
34:14It is.
34:16Hopefully when Steve sees it, he'll be absolutely chuffed to bits.
34:21But with Steve's 96th birthday fast approaching, will this battleship tractor transformation hit its target?
34:31It just takes forever, doesn't it, Brian?
34:33It certainly does.
34:34It's about 80 or 90 hours to date.
34:37We might have to put one or two late nights in, but Mr. Green won't believe it when he sees it.
34:47Still to come.
34:48Right, that is a nice surprise.
34:51For the birthday boy.
34:53Oh, I'm perfect, man.
34:54From Thirsk with Love.
34:56Oddjob looks absolutely fantastic.
34:59I can't wait for him to see it.
35:00A transformed tractor.
35:02Is it something good, Peter?
35:04Come and have a look.
35:05Oops.
35:06Although times have been trying at Stonyborough Farm just recently,
35:22today is a day for embracing the future for all of its residents.
35:26But Steve and Jean are nowhere to be seen.
35:31Because on Steve's 96th birthday, even a little Yorkshire drizzle can't dampen their spirits.
35:38Or their appetite.
35:39Right, you're going out for a meal.
35:42Yeah.
35:43And we are, aren't we?
35:45Yeah, that's what you wanted.
35:46That's what you got.
35:49This is very special.
35:51Another year older, yeah?
35:53Any wiser?
35:53I wouldn't say I'm more wise, I'm more clear.
35:56I'm definitely another year older.
36:01Jean knew the only place to bring Steve on this special day
36:04was Thirsk Farmer's auction mart.
36:096.15.
36:106.15.
36:11We've been here many times over the years for reasons of selling cattle and this, that, and over.
36:17And when we sold the cows.
36:22They don't go mail.
36:23Proper farmer's grub, is this?
36:26Yeah, yeah, yeah.
36:26What's wrong with man?
36:28Oh, yours is good.
36:30It's to me.
36:31Well, this is proper farmer's grub.
36:34Jam and bread tonight.
36:36I say, oh dear, mate.
36:38I've done it now, haven't I?
36:40It's the 47th year that Jean has been at Steve's side on his birthday.
36:45Right, you go and grab a perch.
36:47So she knows what he likes on his dinner plate.
36:51Oh, young lady.
36:52You all right, Jean?
36:53What are you fancying?
36:54Can I grab some steak pie?
36:57There we go.
36:57I'm going to be cheeky.
36:59I'm going to ask you to put me a slice of beef on my...
37:02Of course you can.
37:06They're very lovely for me, haven't they?
37:08Isn't it good?
37:09And that look.
37:11Happy birthday and that.
37:13Couldn't be better.
37:16So many of us are going to get stuck here.
37:20So far, it's been the perfect day.
37:23I've got a lot of presents and about 25 chars, I think.
37:29The presents are all I've got, spending time together.
37:33That's what I look at.
37:35We love one another and we're always together.
37:38But Jean knows there's one more very special present to come.
37:42It's very good room, isn't it?
37:45And although the usual Stony Brough security detail is in place...
37:49Ruben and the cat are looking after the house.
37:53If anybody goes near, Ruben will have them.
37:55Peter needs to get past it to complete his tractor transformation mission.
38:04I learned a few days ago that Jeannie was taking Steve out
38:08as part of his birthday celebrations.
38:10So I thought this was a fantastic opportunity to bring Oddjob back again.
38:15I can't wait to see Oddjob in all the splendour.
38:19And I think Steve will be absolutely over the moon.
38:23I just hope we've done our job properly.
38:26I think we have.
38:28I don't think he's got any idea what's coming.
38:30But, like most farmers, he's very observant.
38:36Right, isn't that in this nice surprise?
38:40Oh, I'm puffing, Matt.
38:44That's a beauty, that boss.
38:50It is.
38:51I have to wish you a happy birthday.
38:55And thank you for what you've done.
38:57You're all right.
38:58You're very, very welcome.
38:59You deserve it.
39:02I've had a lovely day.
39:03People are so good to me.
39:05Every birthday is special.
39:07I don't mind getting older.
39:10I really quite enjoy jogging.
39:15While Steve's filling his boots,
39:19for Peter, Operation Oddjob hasn't been a piece of cake.
39:24It's been very hard work keeping this a secret from Stephen.
39:28But Oddjob looks absolutely fantastic.
39:31This is a real body work over.
39:34Back home and don't spare the horses.
39:37I've never expected in my wildest dreams
39:40that Oddjob would be rejuvenated to what I'm seeing now.
39:49Oddjob's over 75 years old.
39:51And really, to see it now,
39:52I'm pretty sure that tractor's got a smile on its face.
39:56So, I can't wait for him to see it.
40:01Right through here.
40:02Yeah.
40:03Ah, Mr and Mrs Green.
40:05Oh, hello.
40:06Hello, Peter.
40:07Have you enjoyed your dinners?
40:09Yes.
40:10Now, it isn't every day that you're 96.
40:12So, there's another surprise.
40:15Come down with me.
40:16Yeah.
40:17Is it so much good, Peter?
40:22Steve's favourite tractor, Oddjob,
40:24has been at Stony Brough Farm since the 1950s
40:27and was showing her age.
40:30Her engine was tired and struggled to start.
40:34The rust and grease had built up
40:36over decades of hard farm work.
40:38And she desperately needed a new lease of life.
40:44I hope you're going to be as excited as I was
40:46when I saw what's happened.
40:47Come and have a look.
40:49Oof.
40:49Come and have a look, Steve.
40:54This is a tractor that you once knew, Steve.
40:56I...
40:57Eh.
40:58I can't...
40:59Eh?
40:59I can't believe it, Peter.
41:01Eh.
41:03I can't...
41:04It almost brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?
41:06It does, it does.
41:09But doesn't she look fantastic?
41:10Oh, she does, doesn't she?
41:12She's gleaming.
41:13Fuck.
41:13Come and have a proper look, Steve.
41:15She's been cleaned up with a sprayer, hasn't she?
41:17She has.
41:18Eh.
41:19I can't believe it, Peter.
41:21It's beautiful.
41:22Like new, isn't she?
41:24I'll have to take care of my work.
41:26Oh, you will?
41:27Eh.
41:27I want you to see out every Sunday morning
41:29washing her off, Steve.
41:30Ha, ha, ha, ha.
41:31Eh.
41:33Eh, man.
41:33But she's got a real shine on the court.
41:35She has, hasn't she?
41:36I'm absolute.
41:37I'm absolutely shocked I am.
41:42I've never had such a good surprise in my life.
41:45Not a bad birthday present, is it, Steve, eh?
41:47No, it isn't.
41:48Can I introduce you, Steve, to the two gentlemen
41:54that's made all this happen, that's done all the work,
41:57Colin and Brian?
41:58Hi, Stephen.
41:59Pleased to meet you.
42:01You have a great day.
42:02You've done a marvellous job.
42:03Ah, thank you.
42:05You are.
42:05We're pleased you like it.
42:06I do.
42:08I'm more than like it.
42:09It's beautiful, isn't it?
42:11She's over 70 years old and she's good for another 70 years now.
42:16She'll see you out there, won't she, Steve?
42:17She will.
42:18She'll see all of us out.
42:20Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
42:23Do you think you can climb aboard, Steve?
42:24Yes.
42:25Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
42:27Brian and Colin discovered that Steve had been driving Oddjob with one rear
42:32wheel bigger than the other. Did you know that Steve? There was two
42:37unsized wheels on her. No I didn't. I tell you someone prayed for it. She's let me know.
42:43You know I never know.
42:49It's a wonderful thing to say Steve. I think he's lost for words. I genuinely
42:53feel that he's really struggling to come to terms with what's happened. Oddjob
42:57isn't my tractor but it's so lovely to see this tractor restored and to see her
43:03back in this condition now I think means so much to him. I never believe it.
43:10To see him back on Oddjob it means so much to him. Ready are you tall? Ready. It's the
43:18moment of truth now. It's been a bit tough recently but I'm back on all four
43:25cylinders and everything's hunky-dory jac-a-nory.
43:33Heyo, Oddjob's come back to life. All right. She's aware.
43:39Heyo, Oddjob's come back on Oddjob. Get on there lad. Magic.
43:59Heyo, yeah. Perfect.
44:01Onze farmer, always a farmer.
44:04All the secrets that's had to be kept and all the hard work that's been put in, every
44:14second's been worth it.
44:17It's fun going here. What a thrill, eh?
44:24To see Steve now, as happy as he is, with a beaming face, on his faithful odd job, it's a joy to behold.
44:33This is the best world the earth I've ever, ever, ever had.
44:40Ha-ha.
44:41Ha-ha.
44:42Yeah.
45:12Yeah.
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