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.