Fine weather contributed to another successful Hedgelaying Contest on Saturday.
This year New Barn Farm hosted the 19 separate pitches that competed to tame the hedge planted 21 years prior to the event.
Competitors made up from the individual Novice and Open classes competed alongside the Team category, all with five hours to tackle their sections, running between 10am and 3pm.
Enjoyed by spectactors
A good number of spectators turnout out as well. Not surprising as it was a really lovely day out. Not only with hedgelaying to watch and good wholesome food available through out the day, but the opportunity to catchup with people in the relaxed atmosphere (for the spectators at least!).
A number of nature-related stalls had information and people available to chat to, including a wide range of history tools were also on show in the marquee.
Another well organised event by Matthew Chatfield.
Results
The Open category is often the most competitive, not surprisingly and they’re mostly people who do this for a living. Tom Murphy was the victor.
Hans Taylor won the Novices class with only five points separating the seven places, with a couple of half point in there separating some of them.
Great work from father and son team “Big Cook, Little Cook” – James and fourteen year old Josh Cook – saw them winning the top team prize this year, building on their second place last year.
Full details of the results and a comprehensive write up are on the Isle of Wight Hedgerow Group Website.
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