The long-running East Midlands competition is well and truly back on the circuit following its enforced covid break and a successful relaunch in 2023 at Lincoln College. The number of candidates and colleges entering this year bounced back with 14 entries from six colleges, one of whom was new to the competition, North Notts College, and another, Derby College, making a return after many years away.
Thanks to everyone who took part and congratulations to the winners:
1st – Kai Kryger (Derby College)
2nd – Coby Harvey (The Sheffield College)
3rd – Matthew Lee (North Notts College)
Ernie Leach Shield Award – Logan Jones (The Sheffield College)
The event was hosted by Sheffield College who successfully secured major sponsorship from Paslode, Jewson, Howdens, Arnold Laver, NOCN Group, Sheffield Window Centre, Tilgear, Arden Winch, Oakwood Building and Specialist Services and The David Winson Organisation, who generously supplied the major prizes, including a goodie bag for every competitor. Other prizes were added from the committee’s reserve stock and special thanks also to retired IOC member John Lewis FIOC, who once again added a panel saw to the prizes.
The competitors were certainly not disappointed with the prizes that included cheques of £100, £75, and £55 for the three places and £50 for the Ernie Leach Shield.