‘To be the best’!
Car Sharks, BBC - Max, Tim and John.
‘Housecall in the Country’ BBC - Bryce.
It gives me much pleasure in presenting the Stones annual report, for what I think is one of the Best Stones in the County. In my eyes “Is the Best Stone in the County.”
I can honestly say that this as been a very successful year with 40 + members joining the Stone, and everyone taking part in competitions in one way or another.
The year started with Carcass judging. Teams were entered in all classes and Dan Weston did well to come 1st in the Pork Class. International Quiz we entered 2 teams and were placed 2nd and 4th. Silage judging we entered 2 teams again and were placed 1st and 3rd. Go karting we really need to brush up on our driving we were placed 5th. Volleyball the team was placed a very close 2nd. 2 teams entered the Pool competition I think we need to chalk our cue’s a bit better. County Quiz saw the team placed 3rd. Brainstrust was very well contested and were placed a very creditable 2nd.
In the member of the Year competition Alex was placed 2nd for female member and I was placed 1st for Male member of the year. County Grass Leys the Stone came 1st. Stockman of the year the Stone entered teams in all sections and the junior team came 2nd, intermediate came 1st and seniors came 3rd. Steph Birch did really well and was Intermediate Stockman of the year. Rounder’s Competition we were placed 2nd.
Jack, Phil and Paul went on to take part in the County team that came 1st in the West Mids Area competition, and now go forward to National we wish them luck Stone won the Clay Pigeon Shooting. County Treasure Hunt saw Simon Wilson’s car and Helpers come 1st. Stone ploughing Match was an eventful day for 2 young members Phil Sutton won the YFC Class and district class for ploughing, and Phil Cliffe won the YFC hedgelaying. Five aside Football Winter league was well supported both on and of the field, but we were not placed let’s hope we do better next season. The County Rally was well supported and members entered most classes and the Stone came away with some prizes and trophies. Once again we won the Tug of War.
At the end of May came the County show and here we did very well we won the Stone display, came 2nd in the Market Trader, and yes you guessed it we won both the girls and the lads Tug of War. But the float competition, well I think we need to have more of an understanding in what the judge wants to see. The Hammer competition was won twice lost it to Waterhouses and have won it back again. The Stone went on to West Mids Area Tug of War where the girls came 2nd and the lads came 3rd. The raft race held on the river Dove at Doveridge was most enjoyable and the Stone came 1st. The Stone took part in the annual NFU and Advisory Bar skittles and skittles event, with the Advisory winning one and the NFU winning the other. The annual Dinner and Dance attracted 120 members and friends at Fulford Village Hall. The Whist Drive still provides an entertaining evening for any card shark. Race night always attracts a good crowd of punters and it did again this year. Max assisted by Mrs Elsmore and Trevor won the Stones car treasure hunt. A Charity Lorry pull through Stafford Town centre raised £750 for The Staffordshire Rural Stress Network. The Tug of war team competed at a number of charity events, village fetes, and shows. Three trips were organised February the Stone visited Marston Brewery’s and enjoyed the tour which finished with refreshments and a taste of the local brew.
June everyone enjoyed an interesting tour around BOCM Pauls organised by Dave Foster. A Farm walk took place at Home Farm Chartley.
The Stone made visits during the year to Mega Bowl, Ten pin Bowling, Quasar, The cinema, ice skating and the Golf target range. Several Stockjudging practices took place. A social evening with sports and games was held at Mr & Mrs Wilson at Red Barn Farm, Fradswell. The Stone joined in with Uttoxeter and arranged a Disco, which was well attended.
This year has been a most eventful and rewarding year for me. Already the New Year has started with a good turn out at the New members evening and more members signing up.