Warnham to host annual ploughing match

This year it is hosted by farmer Dominic Gardner, along with Jonathan Lucas, who is the Society’s vice president and High Sheriff of West Sussex, and Warnham Estate.

Established in 1871, the society has been holding shows for more than 130 years and is very pro-active in promoting the interests of the local farming community, including holding an extensive range of Field Competitions through the year.

The winners of the Best Farmed Farms this year were David & Caroline Harriott of Lychpole Farm, Sompting in the farms over 500 acres category, and Simon and Mandy Kilham of Guesses Farm, Wiston (farms under 500 acres). The overall winner of the Best Whole Farm Conservation Policy was Philip Bower of Upper Maudlyn Farm, Steyning.

This year the society is pleased to continue its new Bursary Scheme launched last year to assist candidates working or living in the society’s area and keen to pursue a career in agriculture. Last year’s winner being Martyn Vine from near Steyning.

In addition to the twelve different Ploughing Classes including Novice and Open, Vintage and, the greatest crowd-puller of all, the Horse Ploughing, there will be a demonstration again of Steam Ploughing with some massive engines at work. There are also the Hedge Laying, Hedge Cutting and Welding competitions where competitors show off their rural crafts.

The Livestock Show will include a range of cattle and sheep classes including the ever popular lamb and calf handling classes with the future generation of farmers taking part. There will also be a selection of other rural based attractions including the Parade of Hounds from the Crawley & Horsham Hunt, the incredibly popular terrier racing and ferret racing, clay pigeon shoot, competitive training by the Utility Gundog Society, including a scurry open to all and demonstrations.

Other attractions include Field Produce competitions, with entries being later auctioned for the Society’s funds, the Domestic Produce Stall with its delicious range of home-cooked cakes and numerous other side shows including Tug-of-War, coconut shy, sheep shearing demonstration, skittles, and poultry displays. The emphasis is on entertainment for the whole family combined with education in farming and country life, and there will be tractor and trailer rides around the show.

There will also be the ever popular Harris Fun Fair with their classic rides. Also, there will be excellent catering facilities, a licensed bar with Stanislouski’s Polka Band nearby, many trade stands and demonstrations and the annual raffle -which is usually a sell-out with its many prizes. All in all there is much to see and do. Entry is only £5 per adult with children under 14 free. Don’t miss a great day out for all the family.