Young farmers have come together in a show of respect to the late Harvey Holehouse and Jake Hankins who died in a crash. The friends were pronounced dead at the scene of the two-car collision on the A612 Southwell Road, in Gonalston, on Thursday (September 22).
A close friend of 19-year-old Harvey, of Woodborough, and 17-year-old Jake, from Stamford, said they "will be so dearly and sorely missed". While Harvey's family said he "brought joy and a smile to everybody that he met" and "was tragically taken too soon".
Both young men were known for their love of farming and agriculture. And, following the tragedy, the Nottinghamshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs made the call to cancel the afterparty of their first event of the season as a sign of respect.
Read more: Teenagers who died in crash 'will be so dearly and sorely missed'
An afterparty for the Southwell Ploughing Match had been planned for Saturday, September 24, but it was cancelled by the federation, which is a rural youth organisation for those aged between 10 and 30 with clubs across the county.
The Southwell Ploughing Match, a large agricultural event near Newark, takes place annually and was first established in 1855. In addition to the match, the day also includes static displays, trade stands, horse classes and dog shows. There is also a farmers' market.
In a post on Facebook, the federation said: "Due to sad events that took place this week we have taken the decision to cancel the Southwell Ploughing Match After Party tomorrow. Anyone who had pre-bought a ticket will be refunded." The post has received a number of comments from people expressing their condolences to the families, including from other young farmer clubs.
The collision was reported at around 10.45pm on the evening in question. Southwell Road was closed for several hours between the junctions with Gonalston Road, Gonalston, and Beck Street, Thurgarton, before it was reopened.
Two others were taken to hospital with what police described as 'potentially life-threatening injuries' while a fifth person suffered injuries which are currently not believed to be life-threatening.
Police have asked witnesses to come forward. Case investigator Louise Melbourne, of Nottinghamshire Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “This was a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the families, friends, and the wider community at this incredibly sad time.
“Our inquiries remain ongoing as we work to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and our specialist trained officers are continuing to offer the families support. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, who hasn’t yet come forward, or any drivers who may have recorded dash-cam footage that may be helpful to our investigation, to get in touch as soon as possible.
"While we understand people want to pay their respects we would ask anyone laying flowers or tributes do so as safely as possible." Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 801 of September 22.
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