CHERITON Fitzpaine and District Ploughing Association held its 73rd annual Ploughing Match and Produce Show at Huxham Barton, Huxham, near Stoke Canon, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Maunder, on Sunday, September 16.

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

Once again the event attracted an array of ploughing competitors from across the South West, including one from London, several from Cornwall and many local ploughmen from Devon.

This year the organisers were very pleased to have the presence of a magnificent pair of 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.

Sandra Turner, assistant secretary, said: “We had 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 cress grown in an unusual object which was won by being grown in a toy dung spreader.

“The most popular classes came from the baking section and this year included a quiche, lemon drizzle cake and Victoria sandwich.

“In the children’s classes the entries numbered between 30 and 40 for a piece of handwriting, picture of a farm and picture of flowers.

“The ploughing started at 10am, finishing shortly after lunch, with individual plots being judged and then scored.

“Cream teas were available from 2pm onwards and ice creams were available throughout the day. This year’s blessing of the plough service was lead by the Reverend Kingsley Cross.”

Sandra added: “Since Cheriton Fitzpaine and District Ploughing Match has been held we rely on the kind generosity of local firms, families, committee members and individuals who give sponsorship, donations and help on the day to facilitate and continue this traditional day. Without them this would not be possible.

“We thank them all sincerely for their great commitment and support over the years, this year in particular; St Boniface Vets, NFU Crediton, Jonathan Wood Vet, Countryside Seeds Ltd, Crediton Milling, Mole Valley Farmers, Denis Brinicombe Feed, Tucker’s Country Store of Crediton, Mason Kings, Cornish Mutual, Heard and Sendall, Procam, James Pryce, Tesco, Morrisons, Thorne’s Farm Shop, Val Barker Jeweller, Mid Devon Tyres, Crediton Garden Centre, Symons, Bristows, Stuart Luxton Diggers, Hanlons Brewery, Crediton Coffee Company, Mole Avon and Adams Home Hardware of Crediton.”

TROPHY WINNERS

The 2018 trophy winners were:

Champion ploughman –Mr R Glanville; Best piece of ploughing of the open novice, conventional plough – Mr A Brazier; Reversible class – Mr D Pincombe; Best ploughing by YFC member - Miss R Pincombe.

Best kept tractor and equipment - Mr S Teague; Local exhibitor gaining most points in any classes – Ms D Bellamy; YFC member gaining most points in any classes – Mr B May, YFC member (opposite sex to winner of class 8) - Miss C Eyles.

Competitor gaining most points in field root competition – Mr B May and Mr A Tonkin; Competitor with best field of grass in local ley competition - Mr Ian Tapp; Exhibitor gaining most pints in hay/silage/roots and corn - Mr R Stoyle; Exhibitors gaining most points for corn exhibits – Messrs B May and R Stoyle; Winner of most outstanding entry of field roots - Mr H Tonkin.

Most outstanding exhibits in flower and vegetable classes - Ms D Bellamy; the exhibitor gaining most points in produce classes 40-64 - Mrs H Cheriton; two members from same household jointly winning most class points – Mrs H and A Cheriton.

Best corn sample winner – Mr R Stoyle; Competitor gaining most points in any of the adult produce / baking classes – Ms D Bellamy.

Winner of the 16 or under having most points in children’s classes - Zac Mildon.

Vintage class winner – Mr P Stone; Winner of the open high cut plough – Mr D Williams; Winner of the Open Tractor (three or more furrow) Mr A Heywood; Winner of the classic class – Mr S Teague.

The Junior Schools Challenge cup was won this year by Thorverton School.

The 2019 match and produce show will be held on September 15.

Sandra added: “We would love to see more entries in the produce and craft show which is very similar to the local village shows where people compete against each other in many different categories including baking, garden produce, handicraft and photography.

“If you would like more details and / or would like to be added to the mailing list then please contact our secretary Mrs Julie Davie on 077913 47788 or email: [email protected] .

“There are also plenty of junior classes which are free to enter, great fun to do and are also something to entertain the children with for school holiday projects.”