Thankfully the weather gods were kind to us and , the earlier in the week predicted rain for Saturday did not materialise ,allowing the season to end with a flourish.
The hedge site was 15 minutes drive off the A280, nearer to Burpham than Patching and was gloriously sited on classic Downs land with panoramic views down the Arun valley to Arundel and the sea beyond.
The hedge was a planted mixed species but predominantly hawthorn and a typical early season training hedge .
Midland style training was expertly and patiently provided by Supreme National Champions Paul Mathews and Alan Ashby.Many thanks to them for giving of their time freely and enthusiastically.
As ever a great variety of cutters took part from National Champions to this year's trainees- all got stuck in and produced laid hedges worthy of the Society's name. Welcome to new member Jonathan Stearn, who made a guest appearance and will hopefully do lots of cutting next season.
Lunch followed at the Fox Pub , who did us proud , with an excellent 3 course lunch to satisfy the biggest of appetites ( note to self - order starter next year and not to be so parsimonious). The lunch was a very convivial and social occasion and the Committee does have it in mind to hold more such social events.
Thanks must go the 3 musketeers of Frank , Phil and Gary, whose efforts made the event happen and thus finished off the 2022/23 season in style.
ps. Although cutting stops for the summer, The Society participates in a number of summer shows and any member is welcome to be part of the shows team- more information will be posted about this soon , along with early details of ploughing matches