THE North East Hampshire Agricultural Association held its annual ploughing match at Charity Farm, Selborne.

After last year’s renewal was washed away, it was a relief to organisers to have favourable forecasts in the week up to the contest, and to have secured a ground that would be suitable for the match under most weather conditions.

“For that we have Sir James Scott, of the Rotherfield Park Estate, to thank and we were very grateful to be given permission to use the land at Charity Farm and were delighted that he was able to attend the match himself,” said North East Hampshire Agricultural Association ploughing match secretary Rebecca Peek.

“The match was well attended by ploughmen, many of whom are regulars to this event, and the entry remains consistent at around 30 to 35, with a few new faces joining us each year. It’s also well supported by friends and family and there were many comments that there seemed to be more spectators attending this year.

“The weather was extremely kind to us and, although the day dawned a little misty and overcast, it was mild and without wind. By lunchtime, when the ploughing was finished and the judges were walking the plots, the sun came out and everyone was able to enjoy their fish and chip lunch picnic on the fields.”

The overall champion ploughman was Geoffrey Burse and reserve champion was Richard Guy.