Western Morning News (Saturday)
Ploughing event returns for 75th anniversary
ORGANISERS of a much-loved Devon event are celebrating record-breaking attendance, having welcomed competitors from as far afield as Carlisle.
After it was cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Cheriton Fitzpaine & District Ploughing Association successfully held their 75th annual ploughing match and produce show at Creedy Barton near Shobrooke on Sunday, September 19.
Attracting over 40 ploughmen from right across the country, an array of modern and vintage machinery as well as horse-drawn ploughs could be seen in action on the field, kindly provided by the Prouse family, with Mr C Heard lifting the coveted title of champion ploughman.
Mr S Reed was the winner of the reversible class, while best tractor went to Mr Ross Hext. The Young Farmers’ member who gained the most points was Mr Ben May.
In the produce competitions there were buoyant entry numbers, with over 50 people taking part and many others on the day who expressed an interest in entering the various classes – ranging from baking and preserves to floristry and photography – at next year’s event.
Sandra Turner, from the Cheriton Fitzpaine & District Ploughing Committee, said: “It was a special celebratory year, being our 75th anniversary, and all of the participants, committee and helpers were given a commemorative mug to mark the day as a keepsake.
“One particular cup winner to mention in the gardening section was Mrs Katie Greet, who won a cup for the best exhibit in the group with her spectacular pink pom pom chrysanthemums. One of the most eye catching entries in the tent was an owl made by Lucy Cann from fruit and vegetables. There were many junior entries and the school cup this year went to Cheriton Fitzpaine which was a great achievement, thank you for all your enthusiasm.
“There was a special fruit cake made and the cutting of this was done jointly by the president Mr Chris Norman and chairman Mr James Lee.”
Mrs Turner added: “We wanted to say a big heartfelt thank you to all those who very generously sponsored and supported us, especially in these challenging times. These included National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Crediton, St Boniface Vets, Andrew Symonds, ProCam, Mole Valley Farmers, Brinicombes, Tuckers, Crediton’s Tesco and Morrisons, James Pryce, Quickes, Exe Valley Farm Shop, Stuart Luxton Diggers, Conibeer Bros, Heard & Sendell, Mole Avon, BP Tyres, Fern Ferns Catering, Mr D Nuthall and Mr P Stoyle.”