By Press Release
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust staff team won the Island Hedgelaying Competition by a single point in a close-fought battle at Little Duxmore Farm near Havenstreet, on Saturday.
The event was back after a two-year break, and was judged by former national hedgelaying champion, Alan Ashby, of Tunbridge Wells, and the Island’s AONB lead officer, Richard Grogan. Alan was seen recently judging the hedgelaying competition on the popular ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ series on Amazon Prime, which documents Jeremy Clarkson’s attempts to run the 1,000-acre ‘Diddly Squat’ Farm in the Cotswolds.
A total of 28 hedgelayers competed, with co-organiser, Tony Ridd, of Landscape Therapy, saying: “This year’s competition has been one of the most enjoyable we’ve ever had. It’s encouraging to see so many teams in the event – this is a really accessible way to start competitive hedgelaying.“
The event was attended by Vectis Searchers metal detecting exhibition, Ralph Griffin’s display of billhooks and tools, and the popular running display of static engines and vehicles from Vectis Vintage Tractors and Engines Club.
The Open Class was won by Sussex’s Graham West, who took the Denis Russell Cup, with the reigning Novice Class champion, Tod Carder, successfully defending his title, and securing himself a place in the Open competition next year.
The large team class, always popular with spectators, fielded six teams. The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust staff team beat the Isle of Wight Young Farmers by a point. The Young Farmers team comprised Tom Marsh, Emily Smith, William Earley and Siân Grove.
Results: Open Class: Graham West 79 points, Matthew Beard 74, Tom Murphy 73, Kingsley Hollis 72. Novice Class: Tod Carder 71, Gwyn Alford 69. Team Class: HIWWT staff 70, Isle of Wight Young Farmers’ Union 69, HIWWT volunteers 67.
Mal Butler