10:15am Tuesday 31st August 2010
AFTER three years of disruption, a team of hardy helpers ensured there there was a smile on the faces of all who attended a much-loved South Lakeland tradition.
The Selside, Grayrigg and Mountain District of the Westmorland County Agricultural Society were keen to ensure this year’s annual show, the 148th, came back to Little Docker with a bang.
Cancellations in 2007 and 2008 due to horrendous weather left a huge hole in the show calendar, but last year the determination of organisers meant the show did indeed go on, albeit indoors and smaller than usual at Kendal Auction Mart.
Committee member Jayne Knowles summed up the feeling among the team last year when she said: “We decided not to cancel as the weather has beaten us for the last two years and we were determined not to let it beat us again.”
But this year they did not have to rely on a relocation as the sun shone brightly to ensure this important celebration of rural life, a chance for farmers and folk to join together in the traditional surrounds of agricultural land.
Winner of overall cattle champion was Alistair Thompson, a 17-year-old apprentice joiner at Kendal College, who works on the family farm at the weekend.
He said: “It was good to win. There is quite a lot of work involved in getting them ready for the show.
"They need cleaning down and clipping. Halter training them - that can be quite difficult as it takes a few weeks to get them used to walking with you.”
Sheep pens were packed with some of the finest examples of breeds, with helpful information boards for those not familiar with the distinctions between a Texel - which has become the dominant terminal sire breed for its exceptional carcass qualities, and a Rough Fell, originally bred to supply wool for the carpet industry of Kendal.
Supreme champion was Low Newton farmer Ian DIxon, showing for the first time in the field, having competed at last year’s indoor event, with his mule gimmer lamb.
Frank Clarke was proud to be show president, having been associated with the show for 50 years, showing sheep with his brother Brian since the age of 20.
“I felt honoured to be asked. There is such a strong community spirit around here.
"The weather’s caused havoc these last few years so it’s great to be back here.
"It has changed a lot since I first starting coming along.
"Some of the breeds that were popular, like Teeswaters and Mashams have been replaced by Swaledales and Mules.”
James Bateman Memorial Challenge Cup - Champion sheep on the field: Mule Gimmer lamb R.I. Dixon. Reserve champion: Ram lamb B. Knowles. Perpetual Challenge Cup - Champion Beef Animal: J. Thompson.
Reserve champion: H. Knowles. Young Farmers’ Points Cup - Champion YFC Lamb: H. Dixon. Reserve champion: A. Harrison.Perpetual Challenge Cup - Handicrafts: (Tapistry) J. Waine. Perpetual Challenge Cup - Produce section, most points,best pot plant: M.A. Bennett. Reserve champion: M. Armstrong. Grayrigg WI Cup - Produce section, most points by WI member across various classes, champion: J.
Procter. Reserve champion: C. Dixon.
Click below to see our picture gallery from the Selside and Grayrigg show
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