BRITAIN'S top ploughmen will gather in Cambridgeshire once again in October when the 2009 British National Ploughing Championships return to Soham
A prime site of 250 acres has been provided by Mr and Mrs Eric Day, who last made their land at East Fen Farm available for the Championships four years ago.
Two busy days – Saturday and Sunday, October 10th and 11th – will be packed with competitio
ns for many types of plough and styles of ploughing.
Over 150 local champions from all over the country will contest 12 classes and competition will be fierce, because at stake are the British national titles for the ultimate winners and the two top ploughmen will be selected to represent their country at the 2010 World Ploughing Contest in New Zealand.
The organisers of the event, registered charity the Society of Ploughmen, anticipate upwards of 15,000 spectators over the two days and many companies, both national and local, are supporting the championships by demonstrating, exhibiting or by providing sponsorship towards the tremendous costs involved.
Executive Director of the Society of Ploughmen, Ken Chappell said: "Already we have received a warm welcome in the area, and the Championships have attracted considerable interest. The enquiries we have had for trade stands is unbelievable, especially with the economic climate as it is at the moment and we are looking forward to a first class event."
Although the ploughing championships will be the main attraction for ploughing enthusiasts; and working farmers will be looking for the displays and demonstrations of the latest tractors, farm machinery and equipment; it will also be a rural spectacular to appeal to everyone with a love of the countryside.
Visitors will see not only the highly skilled competition ploughing and an extensive trade stand area but also attractions such as vintage tractors, ploughs and equipment; a craft marquee with a wide variety of stands; steam ploughing engines; a threshing display; and one of the major family attractions, the horse ploughing.
Magnificently turned out with ornate brass and leather harness, these true farm 'workhorses' will be seen competing to produce the best general purpose ploughing on the first day and the stylish traditional 'high cut' work on the second day.
For further information contact the Society of Ploughmen on 01302 852469 or see their website www.ploughmen.co.uk.
