The society was started on the 11th of October, 1943 by members including Harry Gundy, Ray Wilde from Llandinabo, Arthur Paine from Penypit, and Bill Williams from Netherton. The first match followed soon afterwards on the 20th of November, 1943 at Llandinabo Court. There were 12 horse entrants and 61 tractors, including a class of 4 women.
Harry Gundy used horses borrowed from the farm where he worked before starting a butcher's shop.
During the first year there were many meetings. This was in the war, and the time of petrol rationing and travel difficulties, so local meetings were well attended, and very much a social occasion. There would be a speaker giving his views on topical agricultural matters.
The first president was John Manning, from Much Birch, who had a clothing shop in Hereford.
Sheep dog trials were added in 1947, the Ladies section in 1952, with farm competitions for livestock and crops started in 1957.
Donald Manning joined the society in 1947. He did some ploughing, but he also served as treasurer for many years, had many committee duties and has been president in recent years, following Jack Helme who was president from 1978.
Ken Watkins first ploughed in 1948, in the under twenties class, and ploughed regularly through the 1950s, until he became too busy with his own farming. He has been chairman 4 times and until recently has been head ploughing steward. He also used to be chief tractor steward in the early 1960s, when he was responsible for borrowing and preparing tractors for competitors, including changing wheel widths when required. Not surprisingly this involved a lot of work and was eventually discontinued – everybody had to bring their own tractor and plough!
Both Ken and Don remember the 1963 match at Trelasdee, Don's farm at the time. They decided that helicopter rides would be a good idea, but the committee weren't keen to risk the money. So Ken and Don put up the funding themselves and it proved so popular that a profit was made. Donald was very active at the 2011 match, at Tresladee in honour of his presidency, but is hoping to retire as he approaches his 90th birthday!
Many other members have been active over the years – Eric Roper, John Honey, John Payne, John Harris and the late Jim Lawrence and Sonny West.
Matches and competitions have continued every year except for the foot and mouth year, 2001, attracting good numbers of ploughmen, competition entries and sheepdog contestants.In 2018 we celebrated our 75th Ploughing Match held at Llanwarne Court.