The 193rd running of the Wrington and Burrington Hedging Society’s annual competition took place in early March.

The event was held in Binegar on Saturday, March 8, a day that began with a bright, sunny morning, but clouded over as the day wore on. The temperature remained mild, providing good conditions for the hedgers.

The hedge was challenging for competitors, with it being laid on a bank. This had the potential to suit the competitors from the Blackdown Hills and Devon, but the North Somerset styling of the competition could have given more local competitors the upper hand.

North Somerset style hedging sees rows of stakes placed alternately on each side to keep the hedge firm, where the hedge will then be trimmed carefully to encourage regrowth.

Mike Reed from Chew Magna won the special prize for senior hedger, while George Brooks winning the prize for the best hedge under 25 years.

The open class winners were Matthew Knight from Farmborough in first, followed by Brendon Halahan from Redhill.

The championship class winners were Binegar resident Alex Bown in first place, Colin Clutterbuck from Stanton Drew in second, Paul Gulliford from Backwell taking home third.

The judges for the competitions were Roger Parris from the Blackdown Hills and David Keedwell from Chew Stoke, who judged the champion and improvers classes. Rupert Gibson from Shepton Mallet and Devon’s Ian Conibeer judged the open and beginners classes, including over 60’s.

Stewards Martin Pitman and Dennis Croker oversaw the work.

Secretary Sally Gulliford said: “It was a very successful day and we would like to thank the land owners, Mr & Mrs Bown for the use of the land, all our sponsors, competitors and the many helpers in the preparation, without these the event would not happen.”