The West Grinstead & District Ploughing and Agricultural Society held its annual ploughing match and show at Westons Farm, Itchingfield, West Sussex, hosted by the Exwood family and Christ’s Hospital Foundation.

Society Secretary Rowan Allan commented: “Despite the challenging mid-morning weather that defied forecasters, the afternoon turned out to be lovely, with a great crowd of visitors able to enjoy this important local rural event.

“The Exwood family and their team, along with numerous committee and other helpers, had prepared a great host site to welcome the thousands of visitors from a wide area of Sussex and adjoining counties.

“There was hopefully something for everyone to enjoy, with over 50 vintage and modern tractor and plough combinations competing, along with teams of horses plus an impressive steam engine display next to the main show ring.”

Overall Champion Ploughman was Ben Marsh with a 1972 Massey Ferguson tractor and Ransomes two-furrow plough, having also been crowned Vintage and Classic Champion Ploughman.

Rowan went on: “Brinsbury College and other local farmers worked hard at preparing their cattle for the show ring, including many calves for the young persons’ handling classes and there were also a number of sheep classes and the ever-popular children’s lamb handling class.

“There was a bumper range of trade stands and exhibits, both large and small, and lots of delicious local produce stalls, plus a colourful range of domestic and children’s classes alongside the field produce entries.

“Harris’ funfair entertained young and old, and the main ring included the livestock show in addition to a falconry display, a tractor parade, a well fought tug-of-war, a parade of the Crawley and Horsham hounds, terrier and ferret racing, a falconry display, a gun dog scurry and a clay pigeon shoot.”

Society Chairman Tim Martin commented: “Thanks are owed to all of the committee and supporters for their hard work in organising a super site for the match and which, despite a heavy wet spell, turned out good for a great overall day in the end.”

The society, a registered charity, promotes the interests of the local farming community, including holding an extensive range of field competitions through the year. This year’s charity is Horsham Matters, which supports local families experiencing hardship.