Report: Andrew Clarke Pictures: Mike McKenzie

Last updated 16:04, Wednesday, 27 August 2008

THE popular mix of agriculture and attractions was enjoyed by hundreds of visitors at Gosforth Show last Wednesday.

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BOY RACER: Youngster Sam Berger, four, from Eskdale takes charge of the tractor that won the Petrol and TVO Class of the Vintage Machinery section

Following the cancellation due to the weather of other agricultural shows around the county, the event at Gosforth – the biggest in West Cumbria’s calendar – only went ahead following an emergency committee meeting on Monday. Organisers are glad that it did as the rain held off and, at times, the sun even shone on the traditional mix of exhibitions, agriculture and trade stands.

“At the emergency meeting, we looked at the weather and with a good drying day forecast on Tuesday, we decided to go ahead,” said show secretary Henry Stewart. “We had contingency plans in place in case the weather took a turn for the worse, but this has always been a good drying field, so everything that we had scheduled was able to go ahead.”

The competitions were, as ever, well supported, with judges commenting on the high standard of entries from competitors young and old in the horticulture, handicrafts and produce tents.

Peter Wright’s honey won the best exhibit in the section, while Gosforth WI took first prize in their category with their exhibit “A leisurely lunch”.

Over in the horticulture tent, Mark Hewertson, who won in the gladioli, pansy and fuchsia categories, was named the Best in Show.

As well as the exhibits, there were plenty of animals to interest the hundreds of visitors. Livestock made its return to the show, having been kept away last year due to foot and mouth, and in the poultry section, Robert Brown, from Uldale, took the top prize with his clay/wheaten. It was the second time that Robert, who has been showing at Gosforth for 40 years, has won the Best in Show.

The overall champion of the sheep was awarded to Barry and June Watson for their blue-faced Leicester. And it was a double celebration for the Watson family, of Ravenglass, as daughter Victoria showed the champion Herdwick.

The centrepiece of the show was, as ever, the horse and pony ring, as spectators enjoyed performances in a wide range of competitive classes.

Frankie Stewart, from Seascale was crowned Champion of Champions at the Grand Parade. She was riding heavy horse, Burlington Park Willow, owned by Alan Boulton.

After awarding the Champion of Champions title to Frankie, show president Mr Peet said: “The committee showed great courage to put on the show and have put in a huge amount of work. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us and made the brave decision, given the weather, to come out today.”

The dog show was contested with each category receiving a high number of entrants, and there was a small exhibit of goats.

One of the most popular attractions this year was the local history tent. A host of organisations, including Cumbria Family History Society, Haig Colliery Mining Museum, The Beacon, Cumbria Archive Service and Beckermet History Group, were represented and displayed old pictures, maps, postcards and newspaper clippings to give visitors a taste of bygone Cumbria.

Other stands which educated and entertained the visitors included Made in Cumbria, Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, World Owl Trust and the NFU, while there were games, slides and a bouncy castle to keep young amused.