Cartmel Show

Last updated 12:04, Thursday, 11 September 2008

ORGANISERS of Cartmel show were determined not to be dictated to by the rain.

9yr old Jack Pickup pulls in vain as Jess the calf refused to walk the parade ring at The Cartmel Show. 6TH AUG 2008. MILTON HAWORTH REF: 0444454

Hundreds of people with umbrellas and wellies flocked to yesterday’s 125th Cartmel Agricultural Show.

As well as the usual classes for beef and dairy cattle, sheep, dogs, lambs, horticultural exhibits and show jumping, there was country clothing for sale, stalls selling local produce, heavy horses on display, horse and carriage displays, circus activities for youngsters, freshly cooked wholesome Cumbrian food, craft stalls and displays and much more.

Jeff and Christine Winder, of Little Urswick, brought their 14-year-old horse Misty and an original spindle-back gig.

Mrs Winder said: “We are doing the carriage driving. We come every year. It’s a wonderful show and one of our favourites. There is always a lot to see and do and it’s good fun.”

There was a rosette in store for Helen O’Hara, of Cartmel, who came along with Gordon Ramsey the sheep and won first prize in the Native Breed Wensleydale Tup class.

She said: “We've only had the sheep for three weeks and so it is the first time we've shown him. We got here at 8am and it’s been a wet day, but fun.”

Getting stopped every five minutes was Maria Leach who travelled down from Galloway in south west Scotland with her four black flat coated retrievers. She said: “Everyone has been coming up and asking about them because there are four. We had two first, two seconds and a best of breed so we did well. It’s been a good turnout considering the weather.”

Kerry Stephenson was also getting plenty of attention with her shire horses Maria and five-month-old Willow, which she showed during the mare and foal in hand section, picking up a second for the foal and third for the mare.

Judith Fairclough made the trip over from Garstang. She said: “I came over with friends who were jumping. It’s a bit of a shame about the weather because everyone has worked so hard. There was plenty going on. I think people were having a good time – you make of it what you will.”

Although the ground did become a little muddy as the day wore on, the rain eased and there were plenty of smiles to be seen on the faces of everyone.

Cartmel show secretary Linda Clarkson said: “It was touch and go whether the show would go ahead but there were so many people wanting to come. The rain did put a dampener on the start and did mean some of the horse classes didn't happen but other than that the show went on as normal.

“We have had tremendous entries and a lot of support from local people which has really made the day.”

l See tomorrow’s Evening Mail for the list of winners from the Cartmel Agricultural Show.