The Isle of Wight Hedgerow Group has announced that the popular hedgelaying competition, which was scheduled for 26th February 2022, has been cancelled.
The competition, held annually at locations around the Island, has been a regular fixture in the Island’s agricultural events calendar for many years.
The event draws spectators and competitors from across the Island and, in recent years, visitors and entrants from around the South of England have also joined in.
Tony Ridd, one of the organisers of the competition, explains:
“We held one of the very last public events in 2020 before lockdown, and we were really hoping to come back this year having only missed one event.
“Unfortunately we discovered at a late stage that the location we had identified was no longer available.
“We’ve not been able to find another hedge on a suitable site in time.
“Because the competition involves some people travelling from the mainland, booking accommodation, and other commitments, we had to let people know in good time, so we made the very reluctant decision to cancel this year’s event.”
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Matthew Chatfield, competition co-organiser, adds:
“This is a big disappointment for us and I know it will be for many hedgelaying fans.
“We’re working to find another location that we can use next year, and we will certainly be back, so put 25 February 2023 in your diary now!”
There is a long hedge that appears to be unattended opposite the fairway sports track. Or perhaps Island Roads are going to cut it back?