The West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society are holding their Annual Ploughing Match & Show this year. The match is on Saturday 16 September at Weston’s Farm at Itchingfield near Horsham and is kindly hosted by David Exwood and Christ’s Hospital.
In addition to, a whole, 12 different ploughing classes, such as modern, vintage and horse ploughing there will also be a demonstration of steam ploughing where there will be a chance to see some massive engines at work. There are also competitions in hedge laying, hedge cutting and welding where competitors show off their rural crafts.
The Livestock Show will include a range of cattle and sheep classes such as lamb and calf-handling workshops where future generations of farmers will be taking part. Additionally, a parade of hounds from the Crawley & Horsham Hunt; very popular terrier racing; ferret racing and clay pigeon shooting will be happening throughout the day.
There are competitions for Field Produce: with entries being auctioned for the Society's funds. We, also, have a domestic produce stall with a delicious range of home-cooked cakes. Other attractions will include: tug-of-war; bale-rolling; a coconut shy; sheep shearing demonstrations and poultry displays.
We place an emphasis on family entertainment and education about farming and country life. Tractor & trailer rides will be hosted and the hugely popular Harris Fun Fair will also be there on the day.
The ploughing match has catering facilities, a licensed bar with numerous local beers, many trade stands and demonstrations and the annual raffle which is usually a sell-out with its great prizes. There is much to see and do. Entry is £6 per adult and children, under 14, go free.
Come along, support and enjoy!
Rowan Allan
Photos by Frans-de-Boer, Ben Killner, Nicky Killner and others.
The Society has been holding Shows for over 140 years and is very pro-active in promoting the interests of the local farming community, including holding an extensive range of Field Competitions through the year. The winners of the Best Farmed Farms this year were David Exwood of Westons Farm, Itchingfield and TJ & JJ Binnington of Thakeham Farms, Thakeham. The overall winner of the Best Whole Farm Conservation Policy was W.D. Passmore & Sons at Applesham Farm, Coombes near Steyning.
This year the Society are pleased to continue their new Bursary Scheme launched three years ago to assist candidates working or living in the Society’s area and keen to pursue a career in agriculture. The last winners were Kobe Hedgehock studying at Plumpton and Toby DeBaerdemaecker attending a forestry training course.
