THE wet weather has caused the cancellation of the outdoor events planned for Tuesday’s Hawkshead Show so we are taking a look back to what happened 20 years ago.

All that can be salvaged from this year’s event is the horticultural and home craft classes which will be held in Hawkshead Parish Church.

The Mail on Wednesday, August 25 in 1999, said that Lakeland agriculture was struggling with bull calves selling for £1 each at auction and farmers being unable to sell the fleeces from Herdwick sheep.

Show president David Kay made an appeal to show-goers and said: “I ask you all most sincerely to buy British produced food, which is not only quality but also safe.

“You will be contributing not only to the future of agriculture but in turn to the beautiful environment of the countryside.”

Mr Kay’s Shetland pony was declared as supreme champion and Ulverston’s Carol Benson had best-of-breed success in the sheep classes.

The article noted: “Visitors were dazzled by the impressive standard in competitions for horses, cows, sheep, goats and dogs.

“The day culminated with some of Cumbria’s favourite rural traditions - the hound trail and pony games.”