Venue: Middleton Park Farm, Alkmonton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Everybody went to bed on the eve of the match, safe in the knowledge that the rain had now passed over and we would be welcomed by a bright dry day. How cruel weathermen can be when opening the back door to rain!
But as I arrived on site and sunrise was meeting the day, the frenzy of waterproofed people became apparent, controlling traffic, spreading wood chip and guiding competitors and traders to where they needed to be.
By mid-morning the sky was clearing and the throng of people on site along, with the combination of children, wellies and mud made it clear it was going to be a good day with furrows ploughing straight, pleaches cutting clean and conversation in full flow.
Before I knew it, it was time to award the prizes (where had the day gone) Mrs Harris kindly presented the trophies for the hedge laying and ploughing. This brought the day to a close and all that was left to do was have a beer, a chat and reflect on the day.
I must hasten to add that none of this would happen with out the work of the committee, volunteers, competitors and the public and above all else a big thank you to Mr and Mrs Paul Harris and family who have gone above and beyond to make this match a success.
