9:00am Thursday 2nd September 2010
By Lisa Higginson
RECORD livestock entries, more than 500 exhibitors and a host of first-time events set to make the 211th Westmorland County Show the best yet.
The ever-expanding showground at Crooklands, near Kendal, is being transformed into a mass of marquees, cattle rings and trade stands in preparation for the event, when around 25,000 visitors are expected through the gates.
Westmorland County Agricultural Society has enlisted the help of more than 300 volunteers to assist with the planning and running of the show - which is now one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the country.
Society chief executive Christine Knipe said: “The show is all about promotion of the area, agricultural traditions and raising awareness.
“This is the 211th show and I think we have done well to be one of the largest one-day shows in the country and to have remained ostensibly agricultural throughout.
“We are highly reliant on hundreds of volunteers to make the day happen and it’s their support that makes the show what it is and creates the atmosphere it’s known for.
“Each year we make sure there really is something for everyone to enjoy and this year is no exception.”
This year’s highlights include an all time record of 100 pig entries, which is 25 more than the show has ever seen.
New rare breed categories have been introduced by popular demand and breeds such as British Saddleback, Middle White, British Lop and Oxford Sandy and Black will all be making an appearance.
Meanwhile, the show will also feature four extra rare breed categories in the extensive sheep section - making it the only show outside of the nationals to feature 24 different breed categories.
New additions in the sheep section are Shetland, Hebridean, Lonk and Derbyshire Gritstone, which are all native upland breeds; some such as the Hebridean were once even on the brink of extinction.
Hereford and Longhorn breeds have also been added to the impressive list of entries in the cattle classes, and since its move to a new area of the ground last year, the cattle section has been further developed for 2010 with the addition of a new road to enable easier access.
The pioneering cattle marquee, launched at the 2009 show, allows the public to view as many as 25 cows being milked and washed, and has now been used by the Health and Safety Executive as a model for shows looking to find ways of safely mixing livestock and spectators in one area.
An eye-catching showcase of light and heavy horses is set to provide another highlight of this year’s event.
The main ring will be brought alive with the heavy horse classes - which feature the largest entry of any ridden horse class in the country - and the grand prix show-jumping event.
Visitors to the light horse rings will also have a rare chance to admire Cumbria’s native fell ponies, as well as everything from miniature Shetlands to huge Hunters.
The extensive livestock classes are also set to include alpacas, poultry and goats and the popular dog show will once again be taking place, with a new shuttle buggy on hand to transport visitors to its position on the show ground.
Unprecedented levels of interest in this year’s event resulted in the committee having to turn down more than 70 companies that wanted to exhibit, after around 500 exhibitors quickly snapped up the pitches around the ground and in the craft and food halls.
Once again the show will feature a wide range of trade stands selling both agricultural and non-agricultural products; visitors can expect to be able to buy everything from a new tractor to a diamond ring.
Among the news traders at the show this year is Tulchan Clothing from Cowan Bridge, Triple D Moto Sport, Lancaster-based jewellers Banks Lyon and Lindeth Howe Hotel at Windermere.
In the increasingly popular food hall, more than 50 local producers will be tempting tastebuds with their culinary offerings, while chefs and food personalities entertain show-goers with a lively programme of demonstrations.
Hungry crowds can also enjoy a taste of the county at the local food court.
There will also be an emphasis on learning and education on the day, with livestock learning cards around the ground and a dedicated marquee boasting stands for schools, colleges and organisations.
And new for 2011 is a unique question and answer session with national advisors from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).
Lord Henley - the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Government spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - will spend the day touring the showground and meeting livestock handlers, exhibitors and others involved in the show, as well as members of the public.
Westmorland County Agricultural Society chief executive Christine Knipe said: “We are very pleased to welcome Lord Henley.
“Because we are well-regarded as an agricultural show, the Government recognises it as an opportunity for ministers to speak to farmers and the people of the countryside to learn about the issues affecting them and take it back to Parliament.”
The Westmorland County Show takes place on Thursday, September 9 at Lane Farm, Crooklands. For more information visit www.westmorlandshow.co.uk
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