The Isle of Wight Hedgerow Group announced today that the popular annual hedgelaying competition, scheduled for 26 February, will not take place this year.
The hedgelaying competition, held annually at locations round the Island, has been a regular fixture in the Island’s agricultural events calendar for many years.
The event draws spectators and competitors from around the Island and in recent years, visitors and entrants from around the south of England have also joined in.
Ridd: A very reluctant decision to cancel
Tony Ridd, one of the organisers of the competition, explained,
“We held one of the very last public events in 2020 before lockdown, and we were really hoping to come back this year having only missed one event.
“Unfortunately we discovered at a late stage that the location we had identified was no longer available.
“We’ve not been able to find another hedge on a suitable site in time.
“Because the competition involves some people travelling from the mainland, booking accommodation, and other commitments, we had to let people know in good time, so we made the very reluctant decision to cancel this year’s event.”
Chatfield: A big disappointment
Matthew Chatfield, competition co-organiser, added,
“This is a big disappointment for us and I know it will be for many hedgelaying fans.
“We’re working to find another location that we can use next year, and we will certainly be back, so put 25th February 2023 in your diary now!”
For more information visit the Website. https://iwhg.org
News shared by Matthew Chatfield in his own words. Ed
