by Sue Read

HIS grandfather and father had both won the trophy, now Donald Tonkin has proudly added the impressive cup as champion ploughman of Devon to his own display.

Donald, who lives at Cheriton Fitzpaine, had always admired the cup on his father’s mantlepiece and vowed one day to win it. He now has.

This was one of the trophies presented at the Devon County Ploughing Association awards evening held at the Exeter Inn at Thorverton.

Trophies were presented by Raymond Govier, president, Devon County Ploughing Association.

The third generation of ploughmen, Donald has been ploughing since his late teens. He has twice been national YFC champion and his ploughing for England has included representing the country in the Five Nations challenge in Scotland.

This year Donald was eighth in the national "world style" final.

Chairman of the Devon Association, Desmond Jenkins of Clyst St Mary, another national ploughman, thanked all the ploughmen (and women) for taking part in the Devon qualifying competitions, the landowners for the use of their fields, judges and the volunteers who helped with the matches. The secretary is Sarah Hammett.

Mr Jenkins said that 23 ploughmen from Devon took part in the national ploughing match this year at Taunton.

The main Devon prizewinners at Taunton were: Malcolm Kerswell, David Eastley, Graham Soper, Rob Hext, Raymond Govier, Will Voisey, Donald Tonkin and Paul Studley.

Next year is the Devon Association’s 40th anniversary.

Prizewinners recognised at the Devon awards evening were: Semi digger - 1 Donald Tonkin 614 points, 2 Bill Tonkin 597.5 pts., Vintage Trailed - 1 Robert Heamon 557.5 pts., 2 Martyn Smale 542.5 pts., Vintage hydraulic - 1 Joe Hill 609 pts., 2 Kelvin Phillips 472 pts., Classic - 1 Desmond Jenkin 582 pts., 2 Colin Sanders 395 pts., Ferguson T20 - 1 Tim Webb 466.5 pts., Eddie Vigers 461.5 pts., 3 Graham Buffton 435.5 pts., Multifurrow - 1 Arthur Heywood 527 pts., 2 Alan Bickley 519 pts., Reversible - 1 Paul Pincombe 537 pts., 2 Sam Reed 513.61 pts., Special prize for a YFC member was awarded to Rachel Pincombe.