Tributes to Stradsett Vintage Rally stalwart Henry Howlett

Henry Howlett, 75, passed away following the incident at his home in Tydd St Giles, near Wisbech.

It is understood he had been working on a vehicle when it caught alight.

Emergency services were called to his address at 6.30pm on Saturday, October 26.

Cambridgeshire fire service said: "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel to extinguish the fire.

"Sadly, the driver of the vehicle died at the scene. A fire investigation has determined the cause of the fire to be accidental."

Police said the incident is being treated as an unexplained death and a file has been prepared for the coroner.

Mr Howlett was a member of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club (NVTEC) for 30 years and the chair of its East Anglia branch, which organises the annual Stradsett Park Vintage Rally.

The event is attended by thousands of tractor, vehicle and engine enthusiasts at Stradsett Hall, near Downham Market each May.

The Stradsett Park Vintage Rally is held each May (Image: Ian Burt) "For more than 30 years, Henry has been a huge part of our club, guiding and inspiring us with his dedication, leadership, and unwavering support," the club posted on its Facebook page.

"His loss leaves a profound void, and he will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Therefore it only seems right that we will be dedicating our 2025 Rally in honour of Henry."

Rally organiser Gordon Carson said Mr Howlett was born in the family farmhouse at Tydd and began working on the land after leaving school aged 15, in 1964.

He took over the running of the business after his father became ill in the late 1980s and Mr Carson said the stress of farming may have contributed to a heart attack he suffered in 1990.

Henry Howlett behind the wheel of a modern-day John Deere (Image: Gordon Carson) He was advised to take up a hobby and began restoring tractors, beginning with a John Deere he found in a hedge in Lincolnshire.

This in turn led to Mr Howlett joining the NVTEC in the early 1990s.

"Henry has given 100pc to our club for over 30 years and we could not have asked for more from him," said Mr Carson.

"The club has lost a great chairman but we have all lost a very good friend."

Away from farming and vintage tractors, Mr Howlett was also known for his love of music, big American cars and his stetson hat.

He leaves a wife, Jean, who he married in August, 1975, son Chris and daughter Joanna.