This time of year means a few things happen; the leaves start to change colour, the woolly jumpers come out from the back of the cupboards and, here in Somerset, the annual Mendip Ploughing match takes place.

Wednesday 26^th September saw hundreds of spectators gather to watch the skills of the ploughmen and women that were taking part in the competition this year. There was a huge array of ploughs to see at work, being pulled by hand, horse, steam and petrol powered machines, all hoping that their furrows would be judged the straightest and most level of the day.

The judging panel also had to inspect the dry stone walling and hedgelaying classes, plus the huge array of vegetables and massive sunflower heads making up the farm produce competition.

The Yeo Valley Ice Cream Van could be spotted from across the fields, glittering in the glorious sunshine, calling everyone forward for their free Yeo Valley ice cream. Accompanying dogs were excitedly wagging their tails in the hope that someone would be clumsy enough to drop a little morsel of ice cream so they could have a taste too.

Next year is the 150^th Mendip Ploughing Match and a little birdie told us that the Ploughing Society will be ‘pulling out all the stops for such a big birthday match’. So I guess all we can do is watch this space and see you there!