THE annual Melplash Agricultural Society’s hedge laying and ploughing match took place at Belshay Farm, Dottery in glorious sunshine with the iconic Colmers Hill and spectacular West Dorset countryside as a backdrop.
With a record number of competitors, 47 ploughman and 50 hedge layers, the many spectators who turned out to watch these traditional rural skills enjoyed a fabulous day’s free entertainment.
To get youngsters involved the Society’s Discover Farming team ran a scarecrow competition which was very well supported.
The spectators on the day were given the task of judging the competition. The team also put on a Discover Farming display as well as giving youngsters a chance to ride on a tractor and if over 13 years a chance to have a go at ploughing.
Charlie Vickery won the scarecrow competition with Tom Baker, second and Alfred and Roland Ross joint third.
Melplash Agricultural Society president Richard Campbell said: "Many thanks to Sir Philip Colfox and Symondsbury Estate for allowing us to use this excellent venue, and to all the organisers, helpers and of course the competitors and judges who have made this such a wonderful day."
The section chairman, Tim Frampton, praised everyone who participated. In particular, the many Young Farmers, male and female, who competed.
A special mention was also given to the ‘Learn How to Lay a Hedge’ event that was held a couple of weeks before. It was very well subscribed and a number of attendees also entered the novice hedge laying competition on the day.
Overall hedge laying champion was Willow Drew, best female hedge layer was Isobel Minshall, best Young Farmer hedge layer was Isobel Minshall, overall ploughing champion Barry Dennett, champion vintage ploughman Trevor Miles and Young Farmer ploughing champions were Beaminster YFC.
FULL RESULTS
HEDGING LOCAL: Tim Frampton
2nd Martin Vickery
3rd Russell Woodham
Cecil A Marsh Memorial Perpetual Trophy
Awarded Tim Frampton
HEDGING NOVICE: Alan Bailey
2nd Isobel Minshall
3rd Roly Boughton
Marcus Beresford Trophy
Awarded Alan Bailey
HEDGING OPEN: Willow Drew
2nd Martin Turner
3rd Steven McCulloch
Elizabeth Lady Williams Perpetual Challenge Cup
Awarded Willow Drew
LADIES CLASS: Isobel Minshall
2nd Lynda Cregan
3rd Katie Maber & Libby Barnes
PAIRS OPEN: Malcom Dowling and Duncan Fraser
2nd Jen Newman & Jill Exton
PAIRS NOVICE: William Baker and Leo Bonning
2nd Dan Phelps & Zak Torode
3rd Alan Martin & Steve Martin
Bartletts (Dorset) Limited Cup (Prize Card & Plaque)
Awarded: Malcom Dowling & Duncan Fraser
OVERALL HEDGELAYING CHAMPION AWARDED TO Willow Drew
SILVER PERPETUAL CUP PRESENTED BY CLEEVES & EDWINA PALMER
The Bill Hook Trophy for Best Lady Hedgelayer awarded to Isobel Minshall
PHILIP HARDWILL CUP awarded to Highest Placed Young Farmer : Isobel Minshall
S10 TIDIEST KEPT SITE.: Desktop Henry Hoover sponsored by Pneumatic: Isobel Minshall
S11 CLEANEST CUT : Terry Coombe
PLOUGHING
VINTAGE TRAILED:Trevor Miles
2nd Brian Johnston
3rd Malcolm Trott
4th Peter Legg
VINTAGE HYDRAULIC: Michael Symonds
2nd Scott Symonds
3rd Peter Symonds
4th Roly Collett
MATCH PLOUGHING: John Harris
S60 - BEST STRIKE OUT in Classes 7, 8 & 9 – Prize Card
Winner Trevor Miles
BEST FINISH: John Harris
CLASSIC TRACTOR & PLOUGH: David Rae
2nd Tony Ascott
3rd Bruce Carter
4th Rodney Atyeo
TO PLOUGH 1 OR 1.5 ACRES OF LAND, 2 or 3 Furrow Plough:Michael Fooks
2nd Edward Yarde
3rd Simon Cullingford
4th Rick Cook
TO PLOUGH 2 OR MORE ACRES OF LAND, 4 or more furrow Plough: Barry Dennett
2nd Robert Fooks
3rd John Shute
4th Andy Shute
CONTRACTORS CHALLENGE:Will Doble
2nd Will Fooks
3rd Sam Symes
4th George Upham
NOVICE PLOUGHMAN: David Rae
2nd Sam Symes
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