Farming’s biggest day on the year in Furness drew a crowd of almost 4,000 people to Bardsea Park, near Ulverston, for the 153rd North Lonsdale Show in July 1997.

It proved successful for the Battersby farming family from Scales, who took the Society Cup for supreme champion in the cattle classes.

Father and son Reg and John Battersby, who had last won the crown two years previously, regained the championship with their Holstein Friesian diary cow ‘Dalesgarth Supreme Pearloma’.

John, 23, from Scales Farm, said it was the only animal he and his father had entered.

“You never know how it’s going to work out and you just bring along your best animal,” he said. “It’s very satisfying to have won and we are delighted.”

Kirkby Lonsdale farmer James Airey, 28, took the top sheep crown for the second year running.

His Suffolk shearling ram was overall sheep champion. He also notched up the reserve champion trophy, best group of three and champion pure down sheep.

Mr Airey said: “It’s great to have won the championship again. North Lonsdale is one of the best of the smaller agricultural shows.”

Mansriggs and Osmotherley Women’s Institute came out tops with their wonderful creation depicting ‘Celebration’ for class 75 sponsored by the Evening Mail in the home industries marquee.

They notched up 86.5 points out of 100, despite stiff competition from other WIs, including Bardsea, whose entry included a wonderful embroidered rose window.

Secretary Brenda Edmondson bowed out after her ninth show and was presented with a floral decoration by the committee to mark their appreciation.

Among the sheep trophy winners were: Champion Blue Faced Leicester: C May, Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Champion Teeswater: DC Bowes, Ulverston. Champion Texel: WJ Case, Ulverston. Champion Jacob: Mr and Mrs GE Cooper.

Marsh Moor Stud at Swarthmoor won the best in show trophy in the rabbits section.