Farmers wives sprang to the rescue when a freak gust blew away two gazebos – and lunch – at the annual Pandy Tudur hedgelaying match .
Both gazebos flew into the air before disintegrating as ladies prepared lunch at Bryn-Ibod, Waengoleugoed, St Asaph .
Tables, cups and plates were sent flying and boiling water and lobscouse was flung over guests.
“Luckily no one was hurt as it went on their clothes but not on their skin,” said organiser Emrys Owen.
“Although we set had up the gazebos with their back to the wind, Storm Dylan decided to show his strength for a split second.”
Some lobscouse was recovered but as there wasn‘t enough to feed the estimated 300 visitors, the lady cooks sprang to the rescue.
“Somehow they came up with bread and fillings to make sandwiches,” said Emrys.
“And more cakes arrived from all directions, so we definitely didn’t go short of food.
“When we were doing the thank yous for the food ladies, the cheers could be heard from miles away!”
Despite the conditions, a record 32 hedge-layers turned up on the day. With donations from spectators, the event expects to be giving more than £1,000 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association this year.
All competitors were vying for new trophies commissioned in memory of the late Tecwyn Evans, Y Garreg (formerly Plas Matw, Llangernyw ), who had been involved in the match from its inception.
All three of Tecwyn’s daughters attended the event to present the new trophies to their inaugural recipients.
Fist to collect a billhook-shaped trophy was Open winner Dei Williams, Bryn Rhyd yr Arian, Llansannan . He also received the Maldwyn Owen memorial cup for the best work within the Pandy Tudur area.
As a bonus, both Dei and second-placed Aled Roberts, Llangernyw, were each given a copy of “Moch Bach Mewn Basged Ddillad”, a book written by hedge expert Aeryn Jones, Dinmael.
Host farmer Derick Jones provided a hedge that match organisers had expected would last for two competitions.
But such was the turn-out of competitors that a mere 20 metres remained unlaid – a headache for Emrys as he looks to future matches.
“With our success in attracting competitors we now need up to 250m of hedge each year,” he said.
“We are ok for next December’s match or so but we will be struggling after that.”
Action from Bryn-Ibod will be shown on a S4C’s Ffermio programme in the near future.
Pandy Tudur hedgelaying match
- Open: 1) Dei Williams, Bryn Rhyd yr Arian, Llansannan; 2) Richard Lewis, Llandrindod Wells; 3) Aled Roberts, Llangernyw.
- Intermediate: 1) Huw Hulme, Oakenholt; 2) Jim Kilpatrick, Llandyrnog; 3) Arwyn Roberts, Cwmpenanner.
- Novice: 1) Andy Brown, Malpas; 2) Colin Chapman, Wirral; 3) Rhys Jones, Corwen.
- Best growth from 2016: Colin Chapman, Wirral.
- Maldwyn Owen Cup: 1) Dei Williams; 2) Aled Roberts.
