The Society

The Society was formed in 1947 when four local Farming Clubs merged their respective ploughing matches into an annual event held at various venues roughly within a 10 mile radius of Lechlade. The Farming Clubs were set up during the Second World War by the Ministry of Agriculture in order to avoid a food shortage. The Clubs were encouraged to adopt more efficient methods of producing crops, milk, meat, and eggs, and competition ploughing fitted into that programme.

So things have changed a lot since those early matches and today the show is a big event that not only has the ploughing competitions but has evolved into a large country show with so much to see and do. The show is run entirely by volunteers, and many local charities benefit from the profit made by the show.

Objectives of the Society

1. To further the art and skill of ploughing and hedging by open competition
2. To organise and run an annual match for ploughing and hedging
3. To assist representatives from the Annual Ploughing Match to compete in the National Champoinships organised bye the Society of Ploughmen
4. To create a better understanding between rural and urban dwellers and to present agriculture among the local community
5. To assist local craft and industry by making space available at the ploughing match to present their work to the public
6. To make donations to local charities and voluntary organisations from any surplus that may have accrued as a result of arranging the Annual Ploughing Match

Membership

Support the Society and become a Member and get your tickets and priority access before the event.

Committee Members

If you are interested in becoming a committee member and be part of the team who put on the event then please get in touch through the Contacts Page.