THE Wrington & Burrington Hedging Society held its annual hedging competition at the home of Hedgers Cider near Winford, writes Rosie Sage.

Tom Vowles, whose family own the farm, passed away in 2025. He’d had been involved in the society for more than 40 years from the age of 16.

Tom was champion in this competition and many others using the North Somerset style, common to our area with hedges. The cider brewery and cider barn were started in 2019, and he planted extensive orchards at the farm.

A very talented and clever man, Tom had been a stonemason for most of his working life, hedger, a musician playing with the Redhill Billies, a teacher of Tai Chi and a motor enthusiast. “Quite a wonderful man,” as his widow stated.

The day was a most glorious sunny spring day, and you felt the presence of such a stalwart of the hedging society, which is quickly nearing its 200th anniversary. What a milestone!

There was an increased entry in most of the classes and including the beginners’ class; most of whom would have had initial instruction during the winter.

Alongside the hedging classes a few produce classes were held including silage, hay and corn. The cup for the most points was won by R Baber.

The hedge-winning competitors in the beginners class were Rory Morgan (1st) and Joanna Gulliford (2nd). The prize for the best under 25 years was won by Gabriel Vowles.

Benjamin Smith won the improvers class with Andrew Whitcombe from Midsomer Norton in second place.

The Open class was won by Will Feay with Samuel Jeddere-Fisher from Bristol taking second.

Paul Gulliford came second in the Champions class with Colin Clutterbuck of Stanton Drew taking the title of 2026 Champion.