CHERITON Fitzpaine and District Ploughing Association held its 76th annual Ploughing Match and Produce Show at Ratcliffe Farm, Thorverton, by kind permission of M, T and R Ayre, on Sunday, September 18.

It was a great success with 50 ploughmen competing in their chosen classes.

Once again the event attracted an array of ploughing competitors from across the South West.

This year the organisers were very pleased to have the presence of some magnificent ploughing horses in action on the day.

Many first-time visitors to the event said they thoroughly enjoyed a day in the countryside and the organisers were blessed with great weather.

There were some keen first-time entrants in the produce, baking and handicraft competitions, their exhibits displayed in the marquee for all to see.

The classes were judged in the morning and results were available to view from late morning onwards. There was a large variety of classes including animal made from fruit and veg, specimen rose, arrangement in a tea cup, photo classes, cookery, apples and eggs, runner beans, tomatoes and so many more.

In the children’s classes the competitions included a homemade party invitation, pencil drawing of the Queen, decorated paper plate, decorated biscuit, animal mask, photo of a pet and even the longest stinging nettle.

The ploughing started at 10am, finishing during the afternoon, with individual plots being judged and then scored.

Refreshments were available throughout and many enjoyed meeting up with old friends.

Gail Whalley, churchwarden at Cadbury Church, led the Ploughing Service and blessing of the plough, when everyone sung heartily “We Plough the Fields and Scatter”.

President of Cheriton Fitzpaine and District Ploughing Association is Mr C Norman with Vice-Presidents, Messrs P Stoyle, R May, D Brinicombe, J May, J Crooke, D Nuthall and Mrs G May.

Chairman is Mr J Lee with Mr P Stoyle, vice-chairman.  Treasurer is Mrs H Lee and Secretary is Mrs J Davie.

Judges were: Ploughing: Messrs Attrill, Williams, Curtis, Brakes, Pincombe, Kerslake, Ford and Mrs Attrill.  Roots and crops: Mr J Crooke. Produce: Mrs Searle and Mrs Webber.  Handicraft: Mrs J Mortimer. Photography: Mr C Chudley. Flowers: Mr P Cole. Vegetables: Mr P Cole. Children’s: Mrs Weekes.

TROPHY WINNERS

The 2022 trophy winners were:

Champion ploughman – Mr D Kerswell (Horse ploughing).  Multi-furrow reversible - S Reed.

Best kept tractor and equipment - A Retallick.  Local exhibitor gaining most points in any classes - H Cheriton.

YFC member gaining most points in any classes - K Davie.  YFC member (opposite sex to winner of above) - R Treneman.

Competitor gaining most points in field root competition - R Ayre and A Tonkin.  Competitor with best field of grass in local ley competition - AV and N Lee.

Exhibitor gaining most pints in hay/silage/roots and corn - R Stoyle.  Exhibitor gaining most points for corn exhibits - R Stoyle.

Winner of most outstanding entry of field roots - A Tonkin.  Most outstanding exhibits in flower and vegetable classes - S Lewis (Tomatoes).

The exhibitor gaining most points in produce classes 40-64 - H Cheriton.  Two members from the same household jointly winning most class points – K Turley and L Turley.

Best corn sample winner - R Stoyle.  Competitor gaining most points in any of the adult produce / baking classes - S Fox.

Winner of the 16 or under having most points in children’s classes - Charlotte Davie.  Vintage class winner - P Stone.

Winner of the Open Tractor (three or more furrow) - A Brazier.  The Junior Schools Challenge cup was won this year by Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School.  Classic Ploughing - S Teague.