Newbury and District Agricultural Society stages first West Berkshire ploughing match since 2018
Ploughmen from across the South descended on West Berkshire at the weekend for the first ploughing match since 2018.
In perfect conditions, 35 ploughmen competed for a number of trophies, while other visitors battled for titles in the produce categories, which included prizes for best sloe gin, hedgerow liqueur, chocolate cake and children’s decorated cupcakes.
Organised by the Newbury and District Agricultural Society, the event went ahead in a muddy field in Shefford Woodlands for the first time in three years.
The event in 2019 had to be called off due to adverse weather, while the coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of last year’s match.
Ploughing match chairwoman Judith Marcham said the day had been “amazing”.
“We had a super day on Sunday and were blessed with the weather. After the heavy rain of Saturday, Sunday was a bright, sunny day and the ground dried quickly, making it ideal for ploughing.
“We had some very happy ploughmen. It was a really, really good day.
“It was great to be back and to have so much support from local businesses and to see so many spectators. In fact it was the best number of spectators ever.”
Martin Kerswell from Fordingbridge, ploughing with a pair of horses and a single furrow plough, took home the Mr & Mrs C Povey Cup for the champion ploughman and the Lloyds Bank Cup for the champion horse ploughing.
Mr L Quick from Royal Wootton Bassett was vintage champion, winning the PJS Cup and the James and Cowper Cup for the reserve champion ploughman.
Andrew Liddiard, from Great Shefford, won the M Lawrence Cup for reversible ploughing under NADAS rules.
As well as the ploughing events there were a number of trade stands for visitors to enjoy, as well as cookery classes taking place.
The agricultural society also introduced some of the smaller competitions they would usually have hosted at the Royal County of Berkshire Show to this year’s ploughing match.
Judges had a challenging time choosing the produce competition winners, with farmer Julie Ilsley from Chieveley claiming the overall title.
Children from local schools made scarecrows and autumnal collages.
