Poor weather has meant a change of venue as The All Wales Ploughing and Hedging Championships return to Carmarthenshire for the first time in 59 years.
The event on 28th September was originally to be held at Cwrt Malle and neighbouring farm Llaethdy, in Llangynog, near Carmarthen by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Howell Richards who are the presidents for this year’s event.
Because of ground conditions, the event will now be held at Derimoelion Farm, Dryslwyn SA32 7NJ, what3words/// gardens.swerbing.essential
The last time Carmarthenshire hosted the All Wales Championships it was held at Castle Lloyd, Pendine in 1965, and organised by Pendine Ploughing Society, who are sadly now disbanded.
Pendine Ploughing Society’s president at the time was Mr R E Owen, chairman Mr J H Davies and the overall champion on the day was Richard James from Cowbridge.
Carmarthenshire Ploughing Society are thrilled to be organising this year’s championships once again in Carmarthenshire, an event that will also include the Five Nations Challenge, with representatives travelling from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Ireland to compete.
The home team from Wales will be represented by Wyn Jones, Ceredigion and Rhodri George, Pembrokeshire.
Mr Robert Convery, chairman of the Carmarthenshire Ploughing Society extends a warm welcome to all to attend the event, which they hope will be a fantastic family friendly day out, and a celebration of agriculture in Carmarthenshire.
Alongside the competition ploughing will be hedging and fencing classes where visitors can expect to see expert demonstrations of the traditional skills.
Visitors can expect to see Gentle Giants Shire Horses ploughing in the traditional style with local MBE John Fletcher at the helm, vintage tractor and engine displays and demonstrations, craft stalls, trade stands, an exhibition of ploughing over the years and to add to the event atmosphere, local favourite the Welsh Whisperer will be singing on the centre stage.
Visitors are also encouraged to enter the family friendly Novelty Dog Show and also try their hand at the Digger Challenge, a competition that tests your skills on a mini digger, and requires patience and precision.
Carmarthenshire Ploughing Society is a relatively new society, formed in 2005.
Committee member Lodwick Jones was Welsh Champion in 1983 and 1985 and will be trying to win the title back on home ground this year. Lodwick was part of the Welsh team as a judge/coach that has just returned from The World Match, held this year in Estonia.
Local Ceri Richards, another committee member, will be battling it out in the Classic Class, and he will be representing Wales just before the Welsh Championships at the European Vintage Championships being held in Southern Ireland.
On the eve of the championships the traditional blessing of the ploughing service will be held at Capel Newydd, Llanybriwith, with guest preacher Canon Eileen Davies, and supper will follow on the field of the match site.
The society thanked all sponsors and supporters who have attended the fundraising events. Main sponsor for the championships is Castell Howell.
Tickets and more information are available at allwalesploughingchampionships.co.uk, or follow the Facebook page for regular event updates. If you would like any further information please contact the event Secretary Helen Convery at carmarthenallwalesploughing24@gmail.com
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