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