History: The Society was founded by local farmers in 1947 who annually organised a Ploughing Match which included a range of agricultural competitions held at a different farm each year (but all within a 10-mile radius of Stoke Bliss Church - a list of the farms where the matches have been held over the years can be found in the schedule) including ploughing, hedge laying & sheepdog trials. Other popular social events are held to fundraise for the event. The first ploughing match was held at Underley Farm, Stoke Bliss (where we return this year for the 60th Year celebrations). Many local families have been or are still involved in the society. Sadly the hedge laying no longer takes place but the remainder of competitions are thriving with the sheep dog trials now taking place on a separate day on Sat 6th October at Birchyfield Farm, Bromyard (Bromyard Gala site).

Ploughing: When the Society was first founded, horses were still being used to plough, and the modern day tractor then pulled a one, two or three furrow plough. Come and take up the opportunity to see some of these still working in the extremely popular vintage classes here at Stoke Bliss, and compare them with today's modern day 4 wheel drive tractors and reversible ploughs with five or six furrows. Those of you who can plough but have never competed before, there are classes for newcomers, as well as a number of different classes to suit different types of plough and tractor / horses and the age and capabilities of the ploughmen/women involved.

We have a new class this year for Ferguson Tractors (manufactured by Harry Ferguson between 1946 & 1956). We also have Worcestershire County Young Farmers joining us from their various clubs this year to take part in their annual ploughing competitions. The event is affiliated to The British Society of Ploughmen, and all competitions are maintained to society rules (which can be found in the current schedule)

Entry to ploughing competitions being £3.00 for members & employees and £5.00 for non-members. Success at a local level can result in representing the area further a field.

Our claim to fame is that in 1959 John Gwilliam went to represent Stoke Bliss at the National Ploughing Competitions where he came 1st, and went on to compete at the world Ploughing Championships in Rome and was crowned WORLD CHAMPION PLOUGHMAN. This year we have The John Gwilliam Memorial Cup being presented by Philip Gwillam for the best work done in vintage classes 6 & 7 with £100 prize money and a replica miniature cup to keep.

Our current Ploughing Champion for Stoke Bliss AIS is Mr. Alwyn Davies, of Ledbury who has won concurrently for two years, come along and challenge him for this year's title!!