Scythe Information
The Sixteenth West Country Scythe Festival
The central arena of the Green Scythe Fair is where scythers from all over the country gather to celebrate the resurgence of this wonderful tool and it's associated skills. This is the biggest and best scythe event in the country, and has been sorely missed in the last two years by scythers and spectators alike.
The main competition involves mowing a 5m x 5m square plot as quickly as possible. But a poor quality finish will acrue penalty points, and so it is not always the fastest time that wins. The reigning champion from 2019 is Andi Rickard, who became the first female competitor to achieve the title of overall champion. Here is a link to an account of that competition:
scytheassociation.org/green-scythe-fair-championship-results-2019/
Anyone with a scythe can take part in this competition as there are heats to select the main runners. When bringing a scythe to the event please carry the blade separately with the sharp edge safely covered. There will be a time and place to check in for the competition, so look out for further information about this on the day.
There will also be demonstrations of team mowing, the infamous 'scythe versus strimmer' contest, and haymaking events. In the Scythe Tent there will be Austrian scythes for sale, and you can find out more about the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland.
PROVISIONAL TIMES
10.30am
12 midday
1pm
2pm
2pm
3–5pm
6pm
Opening of individual scything competition heats: mow as much as possible in 30 seconds
HAY RACE
TEAM RACES and team mowing demonstrations
Heats close
SCYTHE VS STRIMMER
FINALS of the individual competition 5m x 5m
RESULTS and PRESENTATIONS of prizes
In the two days prior to the Fair on Sunday, there are scything courses at the same venue. These offer an unrivalled opportunity to connect with other scythers at all levels of experience, and who are only too pleased to share their expertise and knowledge to help you develop your proficiency. Below is more information about the courses:
Beginners' Scythe Course
at the Green Scythe Fair – Saturday 11th June 2022
Set up, sharpening and mowing technique in the morning. Peening in the afternooon, plus optional workshops on the English Scythe, grassland management, and haymaking by hand.
The cost is £65 for individuals, including lunch. Camping on site available.
To book contact Colin Close at beginnerscythecourse@gmail.com
Improvers' Masterclass
at the Green Scythe Fair – Friday 10th and Saturday 11th June 2022
A two day course for mowers with some experience who want to develop their skills, team leaders managing volunteers or staff, and people who want to teach scythe use to others. You will get personal attention from three of the most experienced teachers in the UK.
The course covers correct set up of the scythe, mowing stance and style, sharpening, peening and repairing blades, teaching and organizing volunteers and novices. Optional workshops on the English Scythe, grassland management, and haymaking by hand.
The cost is £150 for individuals, £175 for organisations, £100 concession for unwaged. Meals are provided. The cost includes a free ticket for the fair on Sunday. Camping on site is available.
Email Simon Fairlie at scythes@myphone.coop
Please see www.thescytheshop.co.uk/courses.html for more courses