Local Hedgecutter wins

Ed Cooper from Newbury took the Novice award in a Hedgelaying Competition held on Sunday 3rd March 2002 at Newtown Lodge Farm, Shefford Woodlands, Hungerford. Fourteen contestants competed for prizes presented by The Newbury & District Agricultural Society and Ed received his £25 from Chairman, Michael Bowden.

Judging the five-hour competition, which included an Open Class, Best Novice, Veteran and Local entry, was Philip Hallam. The oldest cutter taking part in the contest, organised by Bill Acworth of Little Hidden Farm, Hungerford, was 84-year-old Nelson Russell from Sussex.

Michael Bowden, Chairman of Newbury & District Agricultural Society said, "It was a most enjoyable day. The Society was delighted to support the competition where young and old worked alongside each other in an age-old craft."

Results:
Open Class
1st £50 Gary Moore, Burgess Hill, West Sussex.
2nd £30 Clive Gilligan, Ardingly, West Sussex
3rd £20 Bob Whittaker, Crowhurst, East Sussex

Best Novice - £25 Ed Cooper, Newbury, Berkshire
Best Veteran - £25 Ron Moulard, Newhaven, Sussex
Best Local - £25 Ben Machen, Hamstead Marshall, Berkshire

During the competition there were demonstrations from: Steve Marshall (Froxfield) - a mobile sawmill, Jocelin Whitfield (Spencers Wood, Reading) - willow sculptor, Veronica Upton (Stratfield Saye) - pole lathe turning.

For further press information please contact:
Annette Priestley
Comand (UK)
Tel: 01635 248258
e-mail: priestley@comanduk.co.uk