At the end of October I headed up to Driffield, East Yorkshire, for the 45th National Hedgelaying Championships. It was a relief to be back fit enough to compete after my brush with Lymphoma a year before. As it was, I had only just recovered from a virus that laid me low through September and it was also going to be only my second competition in a year and eight months. Just to add to the mix, I had entered into the South of England Open Class this season having won the Intermediate Class in 2022, so it was going to be a real test of my skills.

The hedge was an absolute beauty, planted well, at good spacing, and a good mixture of hawthorn and blackthorn, with the occasional dog rose as well. It was certainly a level playing field for all.

There were 8 of us in the class including some of the best hedgelayers in the Country, so the competition was fierce. The usual rules for competitions applied: 5 hours to lay 9 metres / 10 yards of hedge from start to finish. At 09:00 hrs we were off. I worked solidly and continuously and I’m pleased to say that my fitness was up to the task which was a huge relief. All too soon the hooter sounded for the end of the competition, but I had finished well within the allotted time. I was pleased with my hedge, but I knew that I had made one or two small errors as well which would undoubtedly be spotted by the judge.

I was pleased with my stake line and the density of my hedge, and my cutting had been fairly consistent. All the hedges looked good, so all we could do was retire to the marquee and let the judge go to work.

It was to be a few hours before the results were announced. I knew that I probably hadn’t done enough to win it, but at the same time I was hopeful that I would at least place…

When the announcement came, I was placed fourth. I was absolutely delighted with the result, especially given what I had been through the previous 18 months. All the hard work and practice continues to pay off and only spurs me on to do even better. Next year, the Nationals will be on home turf, so I am determined to build on this result and place even higher next time!