The popular annual hedge laying event, organised by the Blackdown Hills Hedge Association, is scheduled to take place on March 14 at Cherry Hayes Farm, Smeatharpe.

The popular annual hedge laying event, organised by the Blackdown Hills Hedge Association, is scheduled to take place on March 14 at Cherry Hayes Farm, Smeatharpe. There will be hedge laying classes for open, intermediate, novice and pairs and a cup will be awarded to the best competitor aged 19 years and under. There will also be a ladies' cup. Prize money, cutting fees and a cup to the winner are on offer in each of the classes. Other attractions on the day include demonstrations of the turf hedge laying, hurdle making, hedge basket making, chair making and other rural crafts and a range of craft stalls will be on hand. There will also be a hedgerow walk for children and, of course, the ever popular baking competition, with classes for children aged 11 and under.Delicious refreshments and local hot cooked food, including home-made cakes, will be available throughout the day provided by the ladies from the local WI.For further information about the event or to obtain an entry form, contact George Pidgeon on (01404) 881634. George can also provide information on hedge laying courses for 2009. Contact Margaret Edwards on (01460) 234222 for baking competition details and further information on craft classes. Last year the National Hedge Laying Championship, which took place at The Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, on October 25 was won by Terry Coombe from the Blackdown Hills and was a first for the West Country and its particular style of hedge laying.