The New Year brought an exceptionally high turnout of 50 cutters for the Improver's Day at Buxted Park Hotel, with a dry day, if soggy underfoot conditions for some.
One of the aims of the day was to gives this season's trainees to tackle a hedge without the aid of a trainer and be judged to find the best cutter or cutters to award the Phill Piddell Improver's Cup to.
Virgin planted hedges of predominantly hawthorn lined both sides of a footpath and cutters were allocated cants to suit their abilities.
Large numbers of plastic tree guards were removed and cutters soon got stuck in , first laying off and then laying.
Some stakes and binders were from CD2 and were found to be of decent quality; these were supplemented by David Dunk chestnut stakes and will binders , which as ever were of premium quality.
Dave, Alan, Gary, Phil and Frank were on hand to offer guidance ,help and assistance where needed.
In all 316 yards was laid on the day, which must some form of record for the Society. The result looks very smart and a great advert for the Society
After some deliberation , the judges decisions were announced as :-
1st- Lucie and Sean
2nd - Jen and Judith
3rd -Graham and Steve
4th-David
5th-Chris and Carol
Congratulations to Lucie and Sean for winning the Phill Piddell trophy; Phill would have been delighted to see the massive turnout and end result.
Gary Moore said a few words about how well the trainees had done and how they need to build a hedge as they go rather than just "chop and flop".
As ever thanks are due to those who made this day happen , in such a well organised and professional way:-
- Tim Hughes- transporting and unloading stakes and binders
- Frank Wright- for finding the hedge, liaising with the landowner, collating entries, setting out and providing assistance
- Phil Hart- for being M/C for the day, setting out and being on being on hand to advise and help
- Gary Moore, Alan Ashby, Dave Sands - for providing advice and support to cutters
The Society next few events are :-
1. President v Chairman Competition at Waldron on 20 January 2024- contact Frank Wright at [email protected]
2. Annual Competition at Patching near Findon on 17 February 2024- contact Matthew Beard at
m[email protected]
3. Charity / Fun day at Magham Down , Hailsham on 9 March 2024-contact Frank Wright at [email protected]