Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2012 | Page 79

YOUR GUIDE TO

COUNTRY

LIFE
Annual Hedgelaying
Competition 2012

This year's ‘Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition’
is being held at Newbarn Farm, Calbourne, on
Saturday, February 25, by kind permission of Mr.
Chris Spence.
Last year saw record numbers of competitors, in
three categories battling it out to win, not only their
respective sections, but ‘best laid hedge using only
hand tools’ and the ‘Peter Tunks Prize’ (Former
Supreme National Champion), for straightest stakes!
Tom Murphy won the ‘Open Sections’, top prize
for the first time, and will be back to defend his title
this year against strong opposition, and no less than
three former champions, with Paul Sivell, the Islands
Chainsaw sculpture promising a return, along with
Dick Pulleine and Rob Richards wanting to impress
the judges, who this year will again be Alan Ashby
a hedgelayer from Kent and a previous National
Champion, joined by Richard Grogan, Countryside
Officer for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife
Trust.
The day offers a great opportunity for spectators to
witness a country craft at first hand, getting up close
and speaking with the competitors, who are only
too pleased to pass on their knowledge.
The event is supported by Landscape Therapy,
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, The Isle
of Wight Council, The ANOB Project and the West
Wight Landscape Partnership.
For more information about the day, entering as
a competitor or to support this non-profit making
event through sponsorship, please contact Tony
Ridd, 760011 or email tony@landscapetherapy.
co.uk. www.iwhg.org

www.visitislandlife.com

79