The Vale of Glamorgan Ploughing and Hedging Society

from The Vintage Scene February/March 2023 (issue 18)

by CHNandVS2021

Hornsby-Akroyd at the Anson Engine Museum

by Basil George

The Society held its meeting at the Six Bells Inn, Penmark, Vale of Glamorgan on 12th January. The chairman, John Thomas, reported that the Society’s Annual Ploughing Match would be held on Sunday 10 September 2023 at Carn Farm, St Hilary, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7UB, by kind permission of T J Davies & Sons.

The chairman and sub-committee are preparing a site for a spring ploughing practice, and details will be publicised in good time.

Rhys Morgan, Treasurer, has decided to stand down having held the post since the formation of the Society. However, he requested that Lloyd Thomas work alongside him for the year ahead and this was agreed by all, with grateful thanks to Rhys for keeping the accounts in good order.

Alan Lucas gave a full report on the meeting of the Welsh Ploughing Association held at Llanelwedd, home of the Royal Welsh Show. It was noted that the Welsh Ploughing Association had changed the date of their ploughing match to 9th September. This will be held atMorfa Mawr, Llanon, Ceredigion. Also, the South Pembrokeshire Society had changed their date to 10th September, which clashes with the Vale’s ploughing match. So there will be wall-to-wall ploughing that weekend in South Wales. It was pointed out that anyone taking part in the WPA match on 9th September, who wanted to make a weekend of it, would be welcome to St Hilary – accommodation information will be printed on the schedule.

It was agreed by all present that, while everyone involved in ploughing wanted to encourage matches to be held, if societies or associations are going to change their dates from year to year, it will make life difficult for all competitors who want to organise their calendars. That is why the Vale of Glamorgan Ploughing & Hedging Society always hold their annual ploughing match on the second Sunday in September each year.

It was noted that there is a need for good conduct by all competitors entering events. Reports have been received of bad sportsmanship by some, such as lack of respect for officials and other competitors. It was requested that all should abide by the rules set out and remember the hard work carried out by those who organise these events, which should be enjoyed by all.

Alan was thanked for his report, and for the support he gives to the Society.

The Vale of Glamorgan Ploughing Match on 10th September will cater for 7 or 8 classes of ploughs, and the entry forms can be obtained from the secretary, Sarah Radcliffe on 07976 950680. All entry forms must be sent in by 31st August 2023, in time to print the programme for the match.

The Ferguson Class at this year’s ploughing match will be the Welsh Open, run under Ferguson Club Rules and those of the Ferguson Ploughing Manual 1946, for all Ferguson T20 tractors and GP ploughs made by Harry Ferguson up to 1956.