Following fierce competition at the 13th Tornado Wire National Fencing Competition, Mike Ford and Darren Rice of Mike Ford Fencing have been awarded the prestigious winner’s trophy and £1,000 cash prize.
Attracting the industry’s finest fencing contractors, the NSA Sheep 2008 event saw 12 other teams including AWR Taylor (2nd) and Ring Fencing (3rd) battle it out to lift the title, only to be pipped to the post by Mike Ford Fencing after judges were impressed by their speed, quality of workmanship and attention to detail.
Held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire, since 1984, the biennial event challenges two-man teams to erect approximately 60 metres of Tornado high tensile fencing. Rules state that two lines of Tornado Titan barbed wire should be fitted above the fence and one line of 2.50mm HT wire below the fence. Intermediate posts can be a maximum of six metres apart.
Tornado managing director and competition judge, Kenny Campbell, comments: “It’s a tough challenge, but every year we’re amazed by the excellent standards and sheer quality of workmanship we see from the teams. The ground conditions are very hard and all the more challenging as most contractors now use post drivers rather than working by hand.”
“The competition attracts some of the best fencers in the country, which makes it a great event for both showcasing the industry and demonstrating the formidable skills of the individuals competing.”
Stockton Fencing Ltd, Tony Mears Fencing, RS Contracting, RS Agricultural & Technical Services, Jonathan Lean, C Hubbard, Gary Batley, RH & CL Bell, Richard Foxley and Allan Froggatt Fencing joined winners Mike Ford Fencing, AWR Fencing and Ring Fencing to compete for the title.