Western Morning News (Saturday)
Full steam ahead for return of West ploughing event
PLOUGHS of all shapes and sizes will be making furrows once again in Devon later this month when one of the county’s best-loved rural events returns after the pandemic.
Members of the Cheriton Fitzpaine & District Ploughing Association have confirmed it is “full steam ahead” for their 75th annual ploughing match and produce show, which like so many other social get-togethers had to be cancelled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Taking place on Sunday, September 19 at Creedy Barton near Shobrooke, Crediton, an array of modern and vintage machinery will be in action on the field, together with horse-drawn ploughs, all hoping to lay down the neatest lines and take home a coveted prize.
Spokeswoman for the event, Sandra Turner, said: “Our committee is enthusiastic and committed to continuing this long annual tradition of putting on this event, and without the support of our sponsors and donations the event would not take place. We are hoping to mark this special year by giving all ploughmen and women a little memento to mark our very special year.
“Proceeds from previous matches have enabled us to donate to Devon Young Farmers’ Clubs, Exeter Leukaemia Fund, Devon Air Ambulance and Farming Community Network.”
Away from the ploughing, the produce and craft show will include numerous adult and children’s classes for baking, preserves, crafts, photography, garden produce and floristry.
Mrs Turner added: “It’s not too late enter the ploughing or to try your hand and enter any of the produce, craft, baking or children’s classes – have a bit of fun. We have got some new ploughing entries this year from as far afield as Carlisle and Scotland, which always adds to the competition on the day.”
The day will begin at 10am with the ploughing competition, which is judged throughout its duration. The produce and craft show is judged between 10am and 11.30am, after which it will be open to the general
We are committed to continuing this long annual tradition of putting on this event SANDRA TURNER
public to view. Refreshments and icecreams will be available to buy, but spectators are welcome to bring their own picnics. Entry is £2 per adult and children go free. Dogs on leads are welcome and there is plenty of parking within the field.
A ploughing service will be held towards the end of the afternoon, followed by the trophy presentations and raffle draw.
For further details or if you would like to help on the day, please contact event secretary Julie Davie on 07791 347788 or email julie_davie@outlook. com