Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2011 | Page 72

COUNTRY LIFE

George takes
top prize

at IW Ploughing Match
72

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George Watts from Merstone emerged as
champion when the Isle of Wight Ploughing
Association held their annual match at
Appleford Farm.
It proved something of a clean sweep for the
Watts family, as George and his brother David,
along with their father Arnold, picked up no
fewer than nine prizes between them.
Although there were slightly fewer entries
this year, with 54 - all from the Island - taking
part, competition was just as keen. And despite
some heavy and blustery showers throughout
the morning the day cleared into a sunny
afternoon.
The weather was not too kind for the
spectators early on, but the rain made little
difference to the soil conditions, with the sandy
loam soil ploughing up dry from underneath.
The three ploughing judges this year came from
the county of Devon.
A pair of heavy horses from Windmill Farm
Supplies attended the match and gave a static
display of their size and splendour.
There were some 26 trade stands varying
from tractor and farm machinery agents, to
agricultural and rural activity tents as well as
a drilling rig for supply bore hole providing
green energy. Also on site was a stand by the
IW Police promoting the merits and success of
Farm Watch.
Not only do the IW Ploughing Match
Association organise the annual ploughing
match they organise dairy and crops
competitions throughout the year. The oldest
tractor ploughing in this year’s match was a
70 year old 1940 Case model D tractor which
came third out of 16 competitors in Class 2.
The organisers thanked Mr. and Mrs. C.
Clarke of Cridmore Farms for the use of the
perfect site, and also to Mrs. Jan Clarke for
presenting the prizes to the winners on the
field at the end of proceedings, as well as the
numerous sponsors who contributed to the
success of the event.

The Judges