McVeigh Parker have witnessed huge interest in the ‘British Open’ with competitors coming from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Norway and the USA, all keen to compete and learn from one another.

The British open will be judged by a pedigree of judges.

Nicholas Liefting from New Zealand, twice winner of the prestigious Golden Pliers and four times winner of the silver spades, 2008 Gold medal World Champion and 2012 Bronze medallist in Germany. Nick has been competing for over 40 years. He has successfully qualified in 36 Golden pliers (Singles) finals and 37 Silver spades (doubles) finals.

In the last 28 years before his retirement Nick was first off the line in the Golden pliers, with times that no one has, and still have not come close to. He is the chief judge and organiser of many of New Zealand’s premier fencing competitions, whilst also finding time to be on the World Championship panel. For those looking for an evening read Nick has written a book on the Golden Pliers available online.

Nick has used his past 40 years’ experience to hold training workshops and instructed the next generation in all types of fencing.

Hugh Morrison, Fencer, Tutor, Salesmen has been an industry figurehead and familiar face, featuring in nearly all of Strainrite instructional videos. Hugh has been a part of the Strainrite team for 25 years.

Hugh carries high emotional investment in the domestic and international agricultural fencing markets. Of more recent times Hugh has found himself at different Agricultural shows and training events around the world, not just pushing the Strainrite brand but looking to extend his knowledge and techniques to ensure the sustainability of workmanship and safety.

For 20 years Hugh was a lead judge at the Mystery Creek Fieldays in New Zealand, judging the Golden Pliers events. Hughs eye for detail has left the best at the podium and the runners up working with Hugh to ensure their future success.

Tutoring for 10 years, there are many full-time fencers globally that have had the chance to learn and craft their skills under Hugh’s supervision. Additional to the Agricultural Fencing sector, Hugh was a shearer for many years, competing competitively at the Golden Shears. His winning attitude and performance had him venture internationally shearing in Australia, US and the UK.

James Hill, UK fencing contractor with over 30 years experience in agricultural fencing.

Ash Lane, Owner of Starveacre fencing.

 

The event will involve installing 60m of Xfence with three lines of wire, one installed suitable for electric, on timber posts, using traditional methods and hand tools on the infamous APF hill.

“The British Open Speed fencing competition” this will involve installing 32m of Xfence wire netting, with three lines of wire, top line designed to be electrified. Competitors challenge the clock using the latest innovations in fencing from the all steel Clipex posts, Clipex insulators, Triple X all steel strainers and X fence wire.

All erected using the latest in joining and tensioning technology from the likes of Gripple and Strainrite. Teams will be pitch against each other throughout the day of the 19th September, with the winners being chosen from the fastest time as well as the quality of their work.

 

Cash and trophy prizes will be awarded to the winners and runners up, kindly sponsored by our leading suppliers - Clipex Fencing, Summit Steel, Gripple, Robertson Engineering Ltd.