The European Vintage Ploughing Championships, a brief history

Throughout the nineties the vintage ploughing classes in the United Kingdom continued to strengthen both in numbers and keenness of competition. Therefore it was not surprising that ploughmen began to aspire to competing internationally. So it was in February 1998 a meeting of representatives from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland was called to discuss the formation of what came to be known as the European Ploughing Association.

The first European Vintage Ploughing Championship held in 1998 was hosted by the Welsh Ploughing Federation at Presteigne, Powys, Wales, on the occasion of the 40th All Wales Championship. Perhaps appropriately England’s Ken Chappell won the first European Vintage Ploughing Championship. Ken has from the outset played a key role in the formation and development of this now prestigious competition.

In 2000 the championship became truly European with competitors from Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands taking part. Denmark hosted the 2003 event and helped to move the standard of organisation and hospitality to a world class level with the event being run along the lines of the World Ploughing Contest. The championship has since been held in the Netherlands and Germany where it matured further. This year’s competition is another milestone with the inclusion of the vintage reversible plough. The class has attracted competitors from the Netherlands and Belgium and Northern Ireland.

By winning the 1999 European Vintage Ploughing Championship John Costain from the Isle of Man did much to remind us of the Island’s rich history of agriculture and ploughing. John, a committee member was instrumental in bringing the competition to the Isle of Man in 2007. We are most grateful to the Islanders and Isle of Man Ploughing Association for hosting the event. Few have worked harder to build on the success of previous years and to make this another year to remember. Good luck.

Mike Childerley, Secretary European Ploughing Society