In
1994 the club started the idea of a periodic Challenge between sets of steam
tackle competing in earnest under real conditions to produce the best ploughing
in the conditions at the time. The winners were awarded the Challenge Cup and
there were other prizes for good performance. The judges were expert in each
department. The aim was to renew pride and expertise in the to ensure that proper prominence was given to the
restoration and use of the plough as part of the steam set.
The
first challenge in 1994 was held between 5 sets and was won by a pair of single
cylinder engines with a 4 furrow balance plough. This tackle originally left
Fowler’s works in 1876/7.
In
2000 the third Great Challenge attracted 10 sets
ploughing 5 acres each alongside the World Ploughing Championships. At the time
this was
considered to have been the greatest gathering of steam ploughing tackle ever.
The Challenge was also held in
1998 and 2002. |
