The Staffs. Vintage Club "Ploughing Match"
On Sunday 5th April 09
In case some of you readers are interested in ploughing, or more to the point ploughing matches, this is a big one.
I have the privilege this year of hosting,"The Staffs. Vintage Club Match" , taking part in it myself, driving my Fordson E27N with its trailor plough.
Vintage Ploughing on Sunday 5th April 09
Upward of a hundred tractors take part, with the proceeds going to charity
There are classes for Open Vintage Trailed and Mounted, Classic Mounted Novice and Open and World Style, Ferguson classes, and Garden tractors.
It is going to be held this year at the Yews Farm, Seighford, Nr. Stafford, Staffordshire, and for the sat. nav. brigade its ST18 9LQ
(Three miles to the West of Stafford, about three miles from J14 of the M6)
Should you want an entry form ring Tom Cheadle on.
Tel. 01889882091
Mob. 07803077229
For pictures of my Fordson E27N click the tag "Plough" in the left colmn and go for "Two more of my Tractors"
I Booked into a Ploughing Match
I booked into a ploughing match, their to show my skill,
See how straight and even, my opening split instil,
A moment's loss of concentration blows the ideal apart,
Spend the rest of all that day, looking like upstart.
Good many tractors on the field, all like minded to plough,
Markers out all over the place, beyond the plots allow,
Down and back complete the split; wait for judge to mark,
Close it up, flat top or pointed, critical watchers remark.
Some pause for lunch walk to see, how the neighbours done,
Body language tells it all, a grimace purse of lips so glum,
They try to break your confidence, concentration goes,
Look back and see plough blocked up, new expletives compose.
All best mates when ya make a mess, condolence all come in,
A very polite clapping for best in class, everyone wishing to win,
A jolly good bunch of ploughmen, relax till judge comes back,
See who's is best of the bunch, and who has got the plaque.
Countryman
The Elusive Cup
A disappointing outcome to the Stafford ploughing match 16 September 2006 . Using the E27N and Elite plough for the first time.
Off to the ploughing match with great intent
Good weather helps but the land is wet
Off down the field on the first run
Back up the second the twists begun.
Tipping in the third as though no skims
Blocking up the plough and the trouble begins
Coming up the fourth won't bury the stubble
Land wheel slipping and we're in trouble.
Off up the side of the neighbouring plot
Tape measure out to see what we've got
To start the cast it must be parallel
Or the finish, odd sized will give you hell.
Even furrows with good in's and outs
Firm for a seed bed well turned over each bout
No hand work or gardening is ever allowed
But it happens quite often when the judge turns around
To measure the land each bout is a must
As narrow it gets down to three or bust
The penultimate run is always shallow
It's to hold the plough firm as it turns its last furrow
Everyone's an expert who watches your last run
But get in the seat to feel how it's done
They block your eye line at the end of the stint
All standing astride, its all wavering and bent
Everyone says we must not blame the tools
Not everyone there, that we can call fools
Experience shows by the polished plough
Who puts it away with a tinge of rust now
Never again, and the thought that it's rotten
When the next one comes along and you've forgotten
Try once more for that elusive red card and cup
The knees will go weak, when you're eventually called up.
Countryman