DAYS did not get much better than the 156th North Lonsdale Agricultural Show, reported The Mail in July 2000.
Glorious summer sunshine enticed thousands of people to Bardsea Park to support one of the biggest events on the farming calendar.
VISITORS: Sgt Keith Chapman, of the RAF Falcons parachute display team, signs autographs
Organisers were astounded by unprecedented queues stretching way past the gates and into the marquees, reflecting just how popular the show was.
Show chairman Ray Hodgson said its success was testament to the local farming community, especially given the pressure on the industry at the time.
“It is so satisfying when everyone puts so much work in and everything comes together,” he said.
A circle of blue sky encompassed the RAF Falcons parachute display team as members leapt from the Hercules 12,000 feet above Bardsea Park.
Ten of the army’s finest parachute instructors had crowds in awe with their spectacular aerobatics display.
WIN: Michelle Fisher of Barrow who, as well as picking up several awards, was voted the highest-placed member
They free-fell before releasing their chutes and skilfully negotiating two split-stacked spirals with smoke, leaving a heart shape in the sky.
As the place circled, RAF commentator Graham Liggins said the men in the sky were the “best of the best”, having undergone gruelling training in the harsh Californian desert, jumping ten times a day for a month on end.
“Our motto is knowledge dispels fear,” he said.
“An example of that motto has been shown here today."
PRIZES: Robert Fenton with his Lister Barn Engine at North Lonsdale Show in 2000
Organisers were thrilled with the standard and number of competition entries in all categories - cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, show jumping, light and heavy horses and ponies.
Mark Towers from Aldingham Farm claimed the prestigious Supreme Champion cup for the second year in a row.
He also went home with trophies for the Champion Dairy Female, Genus Champion Dairy Cow and Best Dairy Heifer in Calf or Milk in Hand of Breeder, among others.
The wealth of talent in the horticulture tent was equally impressive, with exquisite floral art, tantalising home produce, arts and craft.
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