MARTIN PUBLISHES AG ENGINEERS' HISTORY BOOK

Service Dealer's agricultural machinery editor Martin Rickatson recently completed work on his latest book project, a commission from the Agricultural Engineers Association, the trade body for UK agricultural, outdoor power, turf and garden machinery manufacturers and importers, which in 2025 celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Building on the work of the late Robert Trow-Smith, who wrote ‘Power on the Land’ in 1975 to mark the AEA’s centenary, and the late Michael Williams’ book ‘Forward on the Land’, published in 2000, Martin lightly edited these works and added a history from 2000-2025, aided by current and former AEA staff and committee members whose names will be familiar to many in the industry, including Jake Vowles, Geoff Burgess, Duncan Russell and Chris Evans.

He then worked with designer Richard Donald to create, print and deliver the 100-page hardback, ‘Progress on the Land’, which concludes with photos from the AEA 150th anniversary gala dinner, held in November at London’s Science Museum.

“Ruth Bailey, Director General and CEO of the AEA, commissioned the book in mid-2024, following kind recommendations from AEA members for whom I’ve previously written books and brochures,” explains Martin.

“After meetings at Samuelson House in Peterborough, home of the AEA, I interviewed a number of past and present staff and members, and discovered some great historic photos, including ones of the Royal Smithfield Show, which many dealers will recall and which was organised by the AEA.  

“It was an honour to be asked to take on the project, and for someone with a keen interest in farm machinery and its history it was really enjoyable to put together.”