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 seems to get better and better every year!
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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 overall champion hasn't always been a man, but last years champion was a Somerset man, Michael Gerrard. You can read a full report of the competition in 2022 here:
scytheassociation.org/green-scythe-fair-championship-report-2022/
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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.
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There will also be demonstrations of team mowing, the infamous 'scythe versus strimmer' contest, and haymaking events. There will be Austrian scythes for sale, and you can find out more about the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland.
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME (2023)
The location of each event will be shown on a notice in the Scythe Tent along with any changes to the schedule and the lists of those qualifying to compete in the finals.
11.30am
Beginner's and Improver's scythe competitions in the heats area
12 midday
General heats open – how fast you can cut 5m x 1.8m with penalty points for poorer quality
12.30pm
Hay Race
1.30pm
Scythe vs. Strimmer race
2pm
Team races and mowing demonstrations / Heats Close
3pm
List of qualifiers for the finals published in the Scythe marquee
3.30pm
Finals of the individual competition 5m x 5m
4.45pm
Judging of the scything finals
6pm
Results and Presentation 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:
Introductory Scythe Course (£100)
at the Green Scythe Fair – Saturday 10th June 2023 10am–4pm
This is a wide-ranging introductory course. With a low pupil-to-tutor ratio you can expect a thorough grounding in the basics of scythe set up, mowing technique and blade maintenance during the morning. In the afternoon you will have various options: talks, workshops, mowing, peening. [Details to be confirmed]
New for 2023 – there will a mowing competition specifically for course attendees on Sunday at the Green Scythe Fair.
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The cost is £100 per person, with £75 concession for unwaged. Places must be booked in advance.
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For course enquiries contact Adrian Thomas at adrianthomas59@gmail.com
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For booking issues contact scything@greenfair.org.uk
Go to the ticket site, and select the option 'Saturday 10th June Courses Only'. Another box appears below this called 'Extras', with a drop down list of courses. Course info here has further instructions.
Improvers' Masterclass (£175)
at the Green Scythe Fair – Friday 9th and Saturday 10th June 2023
A two day course for:
- mowers with some experience who want to develop their skills
- team leaders managing volunteers or staff
- people who want to teach scythe use to others.
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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. Learn to get your blade sharper and to scythe expertly!
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The cost includes lunch on both days and free access to the Fair on Sunday. Camping on site is available at extra cost.
The cost is £175 for individuals. Concession for unwaged £100. Places must be booked in advance.
For organisations £200 per person please – for this, camping enquiries, or any booking issues, email scything@greenfair.org.uk
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For course enquiries contact Andi Rickard at andirickard@me.com
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Go to the ticket site, and select the option 'Saturday 10th June Courses Only' (this does also include the Improvers' Masterclass which starts the previous day). Another box appears below this called 'Extras', with a drop down list of courses. Course info here has further instructions.
Please see www.thescytheshop.co.uk/courses.html for more courses