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Our 35th annual competition was again at Angmering park, a massive estate north of Worthing. After turning on the main road its still a few miles to drive to the hedge. And set in the middle of the south downs national park, what better setting could you want? The setup team did a fantastic job, the marking out was looking good. Everyone arrived (almost) on time. Our competitors were mainly locals but we also had visitors from Yorkshire, Dorset, and Holland. We were greeted with clear sunny skys, which was a welcome break from the winter rain. Phil briefed the cutters, and reminded everyone of the new hand tools rules Our stewards managed the theatre of the cant draw, then all to soon the start horn blasted out The hedge was pretty consistent, pretty tall, and generally not to big. Once the cutters started many had an eye on the hand tools prize money, and set about removing heals with swinging tools. It has to be said the results were variable. The canny veterans were on the whole wise to this, and most set off with chainsaws from the get go. Our judges and stewards spent the day checking everything, and passing occasional timely comments, much to the approval of anyone on the receiving end. All to soon we had an hour to go, and a little panic set in on many cants. Fortunately by the final horn everyone had finished, with maybe a little last minute tweaking missed. By the end of the day it was actually hot, and many had caught the sun. We drove to the pub for a superb lunch, and prize giving. Well done to all the winners. Massive thanks to the Stewards, Judges, the other admin people, and the setup and cooppicing crews. Photo’s will be loaded overnight, check back over the following days There are a few pictures from Matthew from the setup crew https://photos.app.goo.gl/maJZCUfrBFyax9bv9 Below the individual scores. I will post the full list of winners Monday, along with the detail from the points trophy Thanks for everyone who renewed their membership, I'll sort that out Monday and email everyone to confirm payment received.  The on-site team have measured out the sections, bundles of stakes and binders have been issued to each section. The Hedge is looking good, its grown since last year! Hopefully the sun will burn off the fog once we get started.... Pictures of course https://photos.app.goo.gl/maJZCUfrBFyax9bv9  Anyone planning to watch the competition here is a map
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5DZtkXJwz6NRFFjOHNpU2xBT2pVWVZ3SU9YT0dpaXdkZHZJ/view?usp=sharing The cutting starts at 08:30, and will last 5hrs. See you there! The coppice team were busy today at Saint Hill, nice looking binders for the competition.
860 cut by 7 members (the usual reliable few, TS FW DD MB MM and new member Andy), plus 200 I have in stock. This will see us through for the Charity / Fun day and Midland Day. Just had an email from David Dunk, the stakes are ready for collection. Coppice pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q34NjtLdZKBMWLsb7 It is not often in life that everything you hoped for comes to fruition, but this year’s President v Chairman competition came close:-
It was great to see Roger back cutting, he produced a really quality section of hedge. This event acts as reminder on how lucky the Society is to have the President and Chairman we have ; thank you Peter and Phil. Pictures https://photos.app.goo.gl/fH9i585Rj7wC9sLP7 Matthew While the bulk of the SEHLS team were at Folkington (see other report), two intrepid cutters braved the weather and competed at the Wimpole competition. A very early start for David Dunk saw him dodging cars abandoned in the snow to meet Gary Moore for the long trip to Cambridgeshire. The results are in Midland Class 3rd Alex Howden 2nd Gary Moore 1st Graham Teece South Of England Class 3rd Jacob Radford 2nd Tim Radford 1st David Dunk Well done Gary, and super well done to David for beating Tim Radford (Current national champion) on his home turf. The picture below is the winning stake line. Pictures https://photos.app.goo.gl/42RGPohV4BdgSY2CA  There is still time to sharpen your billhook and enter our annual competition.
We have plenty of hedge (the land owner measures it in miles), and it's pretty straightforward. If you are a novice and are not sure ring Phil H, Phil P, or Frank W and we'll talk to you about what is involved etc. Entries close 3rd Feb 2019, and NO LATE ENTRIES will be accepted Entries currently: NOVICE Phill Piddell Natasha Stonestreet Trevor Colbran Alan Miller Marcus Broome Johnathan Adams Kevin Jeffries Gwyn Alford Graham West Roberto Grilli VETERAN Frank Wright David Crouch John French Bob Taylor Dave Truran Tim Hughes Clive Gilligan SENIOR Darren Hulbert David Droscher David Dunk Phil Rowell Mike Bentley Stephen Thorns Russell Woodham Mike Mason Matthew Beard Terry Standen Martijn Schippers CHAMPION Gary Moore Paul Matthews Tony Gallow Phil Hart Nigel Adams Stephen Mockford Bob Whittacker What an amazing site Frank found for us, and with chilly dry sunny weather, perfect.
This was the improvers' day (where our trainees get the chance to showcase their skills). We had 9 enter, and the all cut individually (which might have been a bit of a surprise to some), a couple of people from previous years also entered. The other cutters worked half alone, and the rest in 2's (or more), which was amusing as the real novice cutters were doing more work than many of the experts, such is life. Most sections were pretty reasonable, but there were patches of rose which irritated everyone as it was a pig to deal with in places. two sections has a LOT Of bramble, and as is now traditional David Dunk had one of them. The day progressed nicely and we had a few visitors, including the landowner. I was paired with Michael Bentley and we had almost finished our pleaching while David was still pulling rubbish from his section. Mind you by the time it came to laying there was so little left he made fast work out of it, even root laying most of the rose (we did wonder at one point if he was trying to do the entire hedge without a single pleach, be he managed a couple later on) I picked up a huge amount of tips on hedge building from Michael, which I hope to put into practice. All to soon it was lunch which was provided by the landowner and family, most of the experienced cutters were on stake and binders, so restarting for them was not an issue, but the novices were still mid hedge. Everyone finished pretty much at the final (virtual) bell, and there was some pretty good hedge laying from everyone. There can of course be only one winner for the improvers' trophy and our judges selected Andy Delves Pictures as always https://photos.app.goo.gl/VePRqRmL7MCUUh5K6 Flickr has decided to charge for storing pictures, so I have moved everything to google, here is a list of our events, and a link. I have not amended all the old blog entry links!
Competition Colbrans Feb 2014 https://photos.app.goo.gl/FdmvLKMRwZBnSAgC8 Crowbrough TD3 Dec 2015 https://photos.app.goo.gl/eKUff9jooXHvuWnn6 NHLS Display Aug 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/gLjbFAoab1W1HutW9 Crowborough Dec 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/wWgkjeeRYFUynZT29 Tool Sharpening Dec 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/WTSubnAZLeDZ7xM99 Byfleet Nov 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/Fprzg8GrPy6giHH1A Coppicing Benenden Sept 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/7igaEfHJ5pphDryg9 Laughton Competition Sept 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/jLSRey8aBDYkDUNW8 Chainsaw training Apr 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/y5RZiKnRGaUafWVm6 Annual Competition Scotney Feb 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/c6JWS8JHHqQCtDeS7 Improvers day Scotney Jan 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/b46fTN8yirBJrkAs5 PvC Wittersham Jan 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/WkyYNS5gJ1KqwxFL6 Annual Competition Magham Down 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/7N5K8GhLZZnTK19r9 Fun day Wittersham Mar 2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/KcmTVwQ5TRaPhjHB6 Scotney TD1 Oct 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/NfFLozRut2T9yQcSA HPP Coppice Sep 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/pZpPTG7Dh7AbADGm9 Funday Fletching Mar 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/5gqJAANSrEUmjWi57 PvC Magham Down Jan 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/mvkwUKaXhbtxvUpf7 Improver's day Forest Green Jan 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/UrCU7DKdjkpLTCTr5 Laughton Sept 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/8CR1VaFzHHjYCxoK8 HPP Comp Oct 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/zazK2fraJXzQKM7r9 Sandringham Estate Dec 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/5iPCvF4546XX2yoG7 Cissbury Ring, Findon Dec 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/s6kmc8Cvo38GmBav7 Coppicing Turners hill Dec 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/zRAGCdEQCs9SefrA7 Sissinghurst Castle Garden Nov 2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/HFMF98m5qwDc4ugB6 Dallington (TD2) 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/P8rMxBNZf1TCe5PP8 Fletching PvC competition Feb 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/ebXSB9K9PNix5jzj8 Annual Competition Angmring Park Feb 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/471v1z3DRf1yGm8cA Two go mad in Devon Feb 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/bBVpufvjXJrWJ3QZ7 HPP Coppice day Sept 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/do3ZoZSscYo72MVW8 Bolney TD1 Oct 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/mXgya3fpLVJzb5zJ6 NHLS: National Comp Cambridge 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/f33i8WeWYuHubTBs9 Magham down TD3 https://photos.app.goo.gl/xRfKX5UPQGEYeaUa8 Dallington (TD2) 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/P8rMxBNZf1TCe5PP8 Great All England Horse Ploughing Match Oct 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/aoUpQV5QBk7d7hFR9 Midland day at Magham Down Mar 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/aZVsN66MUjw8E3vC7 Improvers day, Magham down Jan 2018 https://photos.app.goo.gl/uCvVXtPbz8k4g7Z89
“Thank you” Matthew Beard for the fantastic Christmas fruit cake.  An overcast, but generally dry start to the day, back at Magham Down, site of a number of previous events. What was immediatly noticeable was the regrowth from the old competition hedge, it sat pretty dormant for over a year, which is why we didn't award a regrowth prize. A hot dry summer however did the trick and the thorn was transformed, most sections had regrowth of 3 feet ABOVE the binders, some of which had come from very low in the hedge. Our regular cutters were all signed in and raring to go, but we only had 5 trainees. We decided to give each trainee a section and a trainer each, and divide the rest of the hedge between the regular cutters. Our trainees trickled in once we got started cutting, so Gary allocated them each to a separate cutter. Our hedge was a little bigger than we we used to at this site, so many of us who didn't bring a chainsaw were either doning a lot of axe work, or getting a helping hand from the wise cutters. The hedge went down quite quickly, and right on que Phil Hart arrived with stakes and binders I was working next to David Dunk, who helped with some chainsaw work, and provided a master class on axe work. He manages to make it look so easy, although with a lot more practice I'm sure we can give him a run for his money. A little earlier than expected the rain started, so Chris cheered up. Luckily most of us only had to finish the binders and trim up, so we just got wet rather than soaked. All the sections were very respectable, this years trainees are picking it up well. Hopefully some of them will get the bug and continue cutting with us. Big thanks ask always to Chris and Frank for arriving very early and putting out the signs, for Gary helping to organise everyone, and Phil for collecting stakes and binders. And of course to everyone who helped coppice; it's a critical part of hedge laying. Pictures on google https://photos.app.goo.gl/xRfKX5UPQGEYeaUa8  HRH Patron’s Day at Gloucester on 24 November 2018Once again top cutter Mike Bentley prevailed at the Invitational HRH Patrons day at Home Farm Tetbury, seeing off stiff competition from across the country. The HRH Invitational event was a chance for a range of age and ability cutters to show off their skills to HRH, who talked to most cutters and presented certificates to the winners of each class. Prince Charles is a hedgelaying enthusiast and patron of the National Hedgelaying Society. He talked to all cutters and appeared genuinely interested and knowledgeable. He did admit that his hedgelaying attempt did not always look pretty but was he was reassured that in 3 years time the hedge would grow back. A number of regional styles were undertaken, on a planted hedge of mixed species and sizes, to give all a chance to do some decent cutting. The event was put on by the National Hedgelaying Society and was in the main slickly done, apart from running out of binders, which were supplemented by some hastily gathered binders from a nearby coppice. SEHLS were splendidly represented by Mike Bentley, Marcus Broome, Roberto Grilli, Graeme West, David Dunk, Peter Vaughn & Pat Farlaine. , Frank Wright, Matthew Beard, Mandy and Russell Woodham, along with Jarred and Tom from Plumpton College. Plus Franz and Lex from Holland. All got the hedge down in time and turned out some decent looking hedges. If it is King Bentley, it should also be Saint Hart- Phil did an enormous amount of work both on the day, prior to the event and afterwards. Keeping a herd of novices on track is not easy and Phil did it with his usual professionalism and humour. The day after Phil did the Tool Sharpening course at Plumpton. The Society is so lucky to have a Chairman that leads by example in the promotion of hedgelaying and training. Matthew Beard      With a forecast for torrential rain all day we had a really good turn out, so good we had to double up in places as we did not have a huge length of hedge to work with. After the usual formality of signing on and sorting out who was working where the heavens opened, but much to Chris BC's disappointment it stopped after a few minutes. The hedge was a mix of different species, and most of the plants were quite small, with just a few more "meaty" ones to work with. The frith pile was thus very small. David Dunk fulfilled one of his ambitions and managed to pleach and remove the heal on a stem using just a penknife.
Most sections went down pretty quickly, and with nice sunny weather there was time for people to chat without getting soaked. Sadly Bob's truck broke down, but as he was in the cafe he called on the support of another diner and the stakes and binders were delivered in good time.
Because of the slightly sparse material we finished the hedge at 3'6" rather than the usual 4' The landowner put on a stunning lunch of home reared pig, soup, cheese and bikkies, coffee and beer, good job most people had finished prior to lunch after that lot. All in all a great day out, I reviewed my pictures and there is even one of Chris smiling Pictures as always https://photos.app.goo.gl/P8rMxBNZf1TCe5PP8 Hope this works, just switching over to Google photo's as Flickr want to charge us (how very rude) On a lovely autumnal day , Mike & Pat Parrott and Matthew Beard trimmed the hedge at Lindfield next to the bowls club . The hedge was planted in 2007 by the Society, to mark the passing of David Marsden, a much loved Lindfield resident, postman and enthusiastic member and committee member of the Society. It was also the last hedge laid by Ron Mouland. Ron was a stalwart of the society for many years . It was great to see the established re-growth from heels and pleachers , which no doubt would have pleased David and Ron enormously. Mike and Pat Parrott have been looking after the hedge for a number of years , but it is getting quite wide and tall , so the help from Matthew was appreciated. David and Ron are sadly missed , but not forgotten Who was Ron Mouland? Ron Mouland and John Blake were both past Presidents of the society, John negotiated with the Lindfield Parish Council for the site of the memorial hedge and Ron laid it when it was too low really, the committee were worried the council might grub it out. The memorial hedge was the last hedge he laid, the way it has grown is testament to his skill. Ron had been a member since the early days of the society, along with his Dad Fred, a great character and a knowledgeable countryman. Ron was a superb hedgelayer and came to all the society gatherings. He was a unanimous choice of President, he did not hold the post long due to cancer borne with his usual humour and bravery. Matthew Beard BBC report on the National Hedgelaying competition
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0000xyt Introduced by our very own Radio Star Phil Hart Bushey Down Farm, Droxford in Hampshire on Sunday October 21 st 2018 Well third time lucky, after two aborted attempts to attend this show, SEHLS finally made it. We were contacted early in 2018, to see if SEHLS wished to attend the event this year. With a hard track all the way to a live hedge which was just over 30 mtrs long, a nice size and good condition, it was an easy decision to make. Next step was to start the planning for the event and get some assistance with laying the hedge. The arrangements for the weekend were made, sorted out at the Bentley Wood Fair, and concluded in the Hare & Hounds pub in Cowfold after Training Day 1. The plan was for John, Frank and myself to do some hedge laying on the Saturday so that when the visitors turned up on Sunday, they could see what a finished hedge would look like. Unfortunately Frank’s van decided to break down on route so it left John and me to lay the first section of hedge in the bright and warm October sunshine. Our start was delayed as the farmer was having his first shoot of the season and the first drive was in the neighbouring field, so we were able to admire the surrounding countryside in the autumn sunshine. By late afternoon, John and I had a section of the hedge down, staked and bound, so we decided that it was a good time to leave. Sunday was an early start and the previous day’s warmth meant that it was a foggy drive to the site; thankfully I was able to give Frank a lift to the ploughing match, so we were back to full strength. With the tables set up with all the paperwork and display material, and a welcome cuppa drunk, the hedge was divided. John and I carried on from where we had left off on Saturday, Frank took the next cant the other side of the large tree in the middle, then Mike took the next one, and Gywn & Hans the last one. The hedge was just over 30mtrs in length so none of the cants was too long, which was deliberate so that we would have the time to talk to visitors and show them what we were doing. However, my wife Jo was doing a sterling job manning the table and explaining to the public what hedge laying was all about, I guess her knowledge must have been gleaned from listening to me go on about it. This was handy as it freed up Roger to help Gywn and Hans with their section of hedge which was all hazel. We had hardly got started and a couple of visiting hedge layers from Dorset turned up, it was good to see Russell & Mandy Woodman, and thanks for their help on the day. With such lovely weather, the crowds turned up; our hedge was close to the main arena and catering wagons. This combined with quite a few announcements on the PA about the hedge laying meant that most of the day there was a good crowd of people watching us working in the sun. By lunchtime most of the hedge was down and after some refreshment it was the staking and binding to do and tidying up; by mid-afternoon the hedge was finished. The comments we received from the public were all positive, saying how nice it was see a real craft, what a work of art it was and what a good job we had done, and the organisers seemed happy with what we had done. Hopefully we will have an invite back for 2019. Thankyou to John French, Frank Wright, Mike Mason, Roger Ferrand, Gywn Alford, Jo Burchell Collins and Hans Taylor for their help over the weekend. Pictures as always flic.kr/s/aHsmsAYai6 Chris Burchell Collins
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