Society History

Cultivating Tradition & Technology

The picture below on the left was taken at the first Ploughing Match in 1927. The Society had only been formed that year as a result of two local farmers having a bet, as to who could plough the straightest furrow. This wager took place in the Hare & Hounds Inn at Cruckton where the Society continued to meet for many years.

 

first_match[1]02

Amazingly the prizes for the Championship Class were £5, £3, & £2. Wages at that time, were the equivalent of £1.50 for a 56-hour week!

 

soc.ht1[1]

“Sonny” Smith Ploughing at one of the Matches in the ‘50’s

Tractor Ploughing classes were introduced for the first time in 1939. Within a few years these classes had exceeded the Horse Ploughing classes, but Cruckton Ploughing Society retained the honour of staging The British Isles Championships for horse ploughing.

After an enforced break during the war years the Cruckton Ploughing Match once again became a major event in the farming calendar.

Hedgelaying competitions have also been staged at the annual match but staging this event nowadays will depend on the suitability of the site. It is hoped that we will be able to run this competition again this year.

By the 1950's members had represented Cruckton at the British Championships and also at the International Ploughing Championships. On the Achievements Page there is a brief list of some of our member's successes. We also have members who are willing to judge at other Ploughing Matches (both nationally & internationally).

At present Cruckton holds its match on the last Saturday in September and attracts over 80 ploughing competitors alongside vintage machinery and classes for roots & grain. Prize money amounts to over £1600 and there are 30 trophies valued at £12000. The Society has always been well supported by members of the trade, with either trade stands or sponsorship, for which their support is very much appreciated. 

 

BuiltWithNOF

[Home] [Contact Us] [Society History] [Achievements] [Events] [Sponsors Page] [Links] [Photo Gallery]