Today saw Bolton’s annual ploughing competition take place, hosted on the land of Brinsop Hall Farm, off the A6 Chorley Road, Westhoughton, Bolton.

It is the sixth event to be held in the borough after Blackrod Town Councillor and ex farmer Graham Farrington revived the contest following a fifty year break.

Competitors travelled from far and wide to take part in the ploughing competitions, which even saw some of the vintage tractors taking part having been driven from as far as Urmston in one case, whilst other vintage tractors were brought along on trailers.

A variety of ploughing / tractor classes existed, including young farmers and classic ploughs, the overall aim being to plough the neatest area of land.

Donations at todays event were kindly in support of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team.

Charles Heeley, the owner of Brinsop Hall Farm, kindly hosted this years event on his land.

Back in September 2010, the team was involved in a search at Brinsop Hall Farm for the uncle of Charles Heeley, with sadly 83 years old Mr Charles Gordon Gregory, known as Gordon, being found deceased by the team in a pond near the farm. (Please see website ‘News’ item dated Friday 24th September 2010, Incident 80)

Following the funeral of the late Mr Charles Gordon Gregory, a substantial donation was kindly made to the Bolton MRT in lieu of flowers, to the memory of Gordon Gregory.

Dropping in at todays events were team members Matthew Hailwood and John Dickinson in our Land Rover Mountain Rescue Ambulance call sign ‘Bolton Mobile 1,’ and our Equipment Officer – Ropes and Stretchers, Mike O’Brien and Martin Battersby in our Land Rover Mountain Rescue Ambulance call sign ‘Bolton Mobile 2.’

The team wishes to thank Charles Heeley and all associated with todays event for their appreciated kindness in supporting Bolton Mountain Rescue Team in this unique manner.