Match tested ploughing skill at annual event

Participants took on challenging conditions at the 16th annual ploughing match of the East Anglian branch of the Ferguson Club.

Dry weather left the ground on Ampton Hall Estates firm, making it tricky for the 43 vintage and classic tractors, competing in various classes, to take on their rivals.

Henry Castle, one of the organisers of the event, said: “We had well over 100 people there and even with the dryness of the field it was a successful year again.”

Winners on the day included David Allen, who was crowned Ferguson Champion, Colleen Pearce who was Lady Champion and Peter Wilson who took the Novice Ploughman accolade.

Other victors were Martin Wilkingson who won the Classic Mounted category,Vintage Mounted went to Paul Sadler and Best Restored Ferguson was awarded to Peter Rudling.

Mr Castle said the club was already planning for next year’s event.

He said: “We have already been reassured a field by the Ampton Hall Estates for next year, which is lovely but with me being over 80 I may have let someone else do it.”

A donation from the event was given to Papworth Hospital and Mr Castle and fellow organiser Don Sapsford thanked the Turner family for providing the land.