By Chris Baker
Storm Callum’s last gasp threatened but did not deliver and our annual hedge-laying competition was a winner. There were a few showers and a few gusts of wind at East Fingle Farm, Drewsteignton, but the worst of the weather came just before and just afterwards. About 200 yards of hedge was laid in the novice, intermediate, and in the top-end open classes, and each competitor’s section proved to be a class act.
The results:
Open:
1st Colin Clutterbuck
2nd Terry Coombe
3rd Colin Risden
Intermediate:
1st Dave Brackley
2nd Malcolm Dowling
3rd Gary Moore
Novice:
1st Mark Joynes
2nd Richard Clayson
3rd Alex Clayson
Ladies Cup: Tina Bath
Jack Connabeer Cup: Chris Stanton
Competitors in Saturday’s event came from as far away as Brighton and the Forest of Dean, as well as Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset – thanks for coming and thanks for a fabulous hedge. Thanks too to farmer Louise for making the facility available, it was great to hold the competition at such a well-maintained farm. Thanks also to Don, who did the lion’s share of the organising. Catch-up with Don’s interview on BBC Radio Devon’s Breakfast Show on Saturday morning at: https://bbc.in/2OZ9vRy (at about 69 minutes). We must be doing something right, the running order for Radio Devon’s 8 ‘o’ clock news bulletin on competition day had DRST ahead of Strictly.