Ploughmen outstanding in their field

Enjoying clear blue skies and gentle spring weather, North Chideock was the perfect backdrop for the village’s 21st annual ploughing match. Head judge Simon Mills said: “Considering the rain in the week, most of the plots ploughed well on a cold start but sunny day.” There were five classes competed by 32 people. Overall Champion was awarded to Brian Johnston –as judged by a six-strong panel of Mike Goodlife, Stuart Slocombe, Austin Yeatman, Peter Stone, Mike Dennett and Simon Mills. Mr Mills said: “Ploughmen are judged on the opening of the plot, its straightness, burial of trash, firmness of soil, the finish and finally overall appearance of the plot. Judges have the task of sorting the wheat from the chaff.”

Pete and Vonda Symonds and Pete’s brother Michael organised the event, getting the field off Butt Lane match ready for both the participants and spectators.

“Thank you to everyone who entered on the day,” said Pete. “To Mr Coates of

Chideock Manor for giving his permission for us to use the fields, to farmer Mr Curtis, renting the fields, to Dave Symonds for towing the tractors into the field, and to everyone who helped raise £605 from the raffle for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.”

This year a new cup was awarded, The Les House Memorial Cup. Les, who died in 2020, enjoyed ploughing matches and judging, alongside his dog Ebony. The Biss family, who donated the cup, awarded it to Dave Joy.

Winners:

Class 1: 1;Malcolm Williams, 2;Andy Westcott, 3; Michael Symonds.

Class 2: 1; Brian Johnston, 2;Paul Mancini, 3; Tony Dawe.

Class 3: 1; Malcolm Selby, 2; Jim Mentern, ; Colin Barnes.

Class 4: 1; Barry Dennett, 2;Mark Symonds, 3;Colin Barnes.

Class 5: 1; Jo Paine, 2; Geoff Fry, 3; Derek Brown. Overall Champion: Brian Johnston.

Youngest Ploughman: Reece Watts.

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Bridport has been found ‘excellent’ following a recent inspection.

The report by SIAMS, the body that grades church schools, was glowing in its praise throughout all of its key findings.

It stated that ‘The vision of enabling ‘all to learn and shine’ is emphatically seen in the outstanding provision for all’. The report also noted the ‘culture of aspiration and high expectations’ and said that ‘transformational relationships inspire aspirations and attitudes, growing hope and trust’. The school has 209 pupils and has recently become part of Initio Learning Trust, which was created