The BHHA Annual Hedge Event — 2012

Saturday 10^th March 2012.

This year we are pleased to be able to return to a venue we last used in 2008. Mr Sage is a welcoming host and we are extremely pleased that he has invited us back this year.

The BHHA "Skills of the Hills" event is a hedgelaying competition but with many other attractions and activities included.

Craftsmen from the local area will be demonstrating green woodworking skills making items with materials from the hedgerow and coppice. There will also be a demonstration of turf banking being used to restore a damaged section of Devon bank.

An expert guide will be on hand to walk around the competition, talk you through the Devon style of hedgelaying and describe what the competitors are doing.

There will be good hot food and refreshments (provided by the legendary Smeatharpe WI) and stalls with local goods, tools and outdoor machinery.

A wildlife walk, raffle and local information stalls add to the event.

Live music will be provided during the afternoon by the Taunton TUSC ukulele orchestra and a story teller will be there to entertain the young (and not so young).

There is also a cookery competition open for anyone to enter. More details below.

There will be ample parking for spectators on a site with easy access for vehicles. Spectator admission will cost £2 per car.

To download a pamphlet for the event click on the picture on the left.

Hedgelaying Competition

There will be four classes in the competition: Novice, Pairs, Intermediate, and Open.

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th places in all competitions.

A cutting fee of £15 will be given to all competitors/pairs (including prizewinners) who complete their allocated section of hedge.

Each competitor will also be given a food voucher for lunch.

Other Prizes

• The John Coombes Memorial Shield will be awarded to the best competitor aged under 19 years.
• The Natwest Cup will be awarded to the best competitorwho is a member of a YFC.
• A special cup will be presented to the best local competitor living withing the boundaries of the Blackdown Hills AONB.
• A special cup will be presented to the best lady competitor in any class.
• The BHHA "Golden Crook" will be awarded for the best work on a poor length of hedge.
• The Roger Vickery Regrowth Cup will be presented to the competitor/pair in last year's event judged to have laid the hedge showing the best regrowth.

Entering

You can download an entry form here to print out. Complete the bottom section and return it to the address given on the form. Completed entry forms must be returned no later than Monday 5^th March 2012.

Note that the form contains important information about chainsaws and safety. If you are intending to use a chainsaw then you must wear personal protection equipment: chainsaw trousers, certified boots, helmet and gloves. By signing the entry form you are agreeing to do this and comply with Health and Safety regulations regarding chainsaw use.

Directions

The Google map above shows the location of this year's competition (the grid reference is ST 163 041).

Queries

If you have any questions or want more information on any aspect of the event please email Richard Hooker.

---

Cookery Competition

The cookery competition is open for all to enter. There are six classes in the "open" competition:

1. Victoria Sponge Cake
2. Jar of Hedgerow Jelly or Jam
3. White Cob Loaf
4. A Traditional Meat Pasty
5. Half a dozen home-reared eggs
6. Sloe Gin

...and two in the junior classes for children aged 11 years or younger:

1. 6 Decorated Fairy Cakes
2. A Mini-Pizza using real dough

Cups will be presented to the winners of the adult classes and certificates for the juniors.

Entries on the day to competition area by 12:45 please. The judging will start at 1pm.

If you are happy to donate your entries to the raffle, please let us know when you enter.

---

Sponsors — The event is generously supported in 2012 by: