Fencing Elite Descend on APF 2026
The McVeigh Parker British Open Fencing Championship has rapidly established itself as the premier event in the fencing calendar, attracting record entries, international competitors and some of the industry's most respected professionals to APF 2026. Combined with the British Open Speed Fencing Competition and an ever-expanding Fencing Village, APF 2026 became the must-attend destination for contractors, farmers, landowners and fencing enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond.
Speed Competition Showcases Modern
Fencing Innovation
The action began on day one with six teams competing in the British Open Speed Fencing Championship, an event designed to demonstrate how modern products and techniques are transforming fence installation and repair.
Using industry-leading components including Gripple wire joiners, T-Clips, Gripple Twisters, Triple X all-steel strainers, Clipex steel posts and premium Xfence stiff-stay netting, teams raced against the clock to construct a 30-metre section of long-life steel fencing.
After three closely fought heats, Stuart Miles and Peter Redgwell emerged victorious, completing the challenge in a remarkable 20 minutes and 20 seconds to claim the title of British Open Speed Fencing Champions 2026.
The competition provided visitors with a real-world demonstration of how modern fencing systems can increase efficiency while maintaining professional standards.
Championship Draws Competitors from Across Europe
Attention then turned to the main event, the British Open Fencing Championship, widely regarded as the most prestigious title in UK agricultural fencing.
Held on the challenging slopes of Ragley Hall, the course was designed to replicate the demanding conditions professional contractors encounter daily. Thirty competitors, including entrants from as far afield as Switzerland, took on the four-hour challenge in pursuit of the coveted Xfence-inspired championship trophies.
Success required not only speed and stamina but exceptional accuracy and craftsmanship, with every aspect of the fence assessed against strict judging criteria.
Internationally Respected Judges Oversee Competition
Competitors' work was scrutinised by a highly experienced panel of judges, including:
- Hugh Morrison of Strainrite and a regular judge at New Zealand's prestigious Golden Pliers competition.
- John Frizell, another highly respected New Zealand fencing expert with extensive UK experience.
- Charlie Wright of Front Row Fencing, a former competitor and experienced contractor.
- Dan Williams and Simon Williams, both accomplished professional fencers and former competition entrants.
Speaking after the event, Hugh Morrison praised the standard of the competition.
"The location, realistic terrain and organisation of the event were on par with some of the competitions I have judged at the Golden Pliers in New Zealand."
High Standards Make Judging a Challenge
Working in temperatures reaching 23°C, competitors endured four physically demanding hours on the hillside course before putting down their tools for assessment.
The quality of workmanship proved so high that judging each lane took almost as long as the competition itself. Organisers maintained a transparent scoring process, allowing competitors to understand precisely where points had been gained or lost and helping raise standards across the profession.
Matt Cooper and Louis Davis recorded the fastest build time of the day, completing their fence in an outstanding 2 hours and 40 minutes. However, deductions on several key judging points ultimately saw them finish in a respectable third place.
Fresh from their Speed Fencing victory, Stuart Miles and Peter Redgwell secured another podium finish by taking second place.
But it was the experienced partnership of Mark Evans and Nick Quan who once again demonstrated the meticulous attention to detail that championship success demands. Using almost every minute of the four-hour allocation to refine their work, they secured the highest overall score and were crowned British Open Fencing Champions 2026.
Raising Standards Across the Industry
Collecting the winners' trophy, Mark Evans highlighted the importance of events such as the British Open.
"Companies such as McVeigh Parker, together with sponsors including Summit Steel, BBH, Gripple and Strainrite, play a vital role in raising standards across the industry and increasing the profile of agricultural fencing."
McVeigh Parker Sales Director Stuart Mills, who organised the competition, described the event as another major success.
"It was once again a privilege to organise this championship. Entries increased, the standard of fencing was exceptional and the judges had a hugely difficult task selecting the winners.
It was particularly encouraging to see younger fencers such as the National Young farmer champions Dilwyn YFC entering for the first time and learning from experienced professionals. The future benchmark for quality agricultural fencing has just been raised again. Roll on 2028."
