THIS year’s Cruckton Ploughing Match takes place on Saturday, September 26, and have joint hosts, Mr R Wilde and Sons and Mr M Pugh, who both farm land near to Eyton, Alberbury, where the match will be located.
New for this year’s match are two new trophies, one presented in memory of John Hall, a past secretary who passed away last year, which will be presented to the best kept tractor in the vintage ploughing classes; there will also be the P&W trophy for the best static classic tractor. There will also be a new qualifying class for Ford and Fordson Members competing in the vintage mounted, trailed and hydraulic classes.
Human ploughing also makes a welcome return to the match this year, after it was first introduced in 2002. Teams are challenged to plough an area of land using only human power, one person to control the plough and up to 15 to act as the power.
The match has been chosen by the Society of Ploughmen as the regional qualifying competition for Young Farmers in both conventional and reversible classes.
Nigel Price is the chairman for the year. Nigel lives at Hopton, Nesscliffe, with his wife, Kath, and daughter, Becky, who regularly helps with marking out before the match and on the day, Becky now helps to steward.
Nigel first started ploughing in 1984 and was elected onto the committee soon after. Nigel has worked for Glyn Pryce’s family at Felton Butler since the age of 16 and in his spare time he plays short mat bowls and has played at county level. He can also be seen at the local agricultural shows, where he helps Becky show her poultry.
Nigel is honoured to be elected chairman and wishes his president, Jackie Lewis, and vice chairman, David Jones, all the best during the coming year.
Ploughing starts at 10am and entry is £5, children and parking free.
Further details, contact the secretary, Mrs Helen Davies, telephone 01938 590535 or 07976803066 or email info@crucktonploughing.org.uk