THIS year the Christow and District Agricultural and Horticultural Society have much to celebrate as they prepare to stage the popular one-day event for the village.

And 2025 heralds a special milestone for Saturday’s show as it marks 100 years since the first show in 1925.

With a foundation firmly rooted in agriculture, the show continues to celebrate the variety and culture of country living.

Such a long heritage is testimony to the many individuals who have given their time voluntarily to keep the ethos of the show alive and well throughout the years.

‘Staging a show like this takes a huge amount to effort and reless commitment from the whole committee and the wider community’, said Jan Deane, the show’s secretary.

‘We are simply continuing what was started 100 years ago and we are grateful for this much celebrated and proud legacy’, Jan added.

In celebration, the Committee were delighted to invite Christow and District Horticultural and Agricultural Society President, Tom Archer, to officially open the show.

Tom, who has farmed in the village all his working life, is Chairman of Christow Parish Council and Agricultural Secretary of the Show Committee.

He has a long association with the village through many generations.

A painted glass with armorial bearings in a property in Christow, are presumed to be those of the Archer family dating back to the 12th century.

While the full programme of events begins at 9am with the Horse showing classes, Tom will officially open the show at 1.30pm to set the runners off for the Cross Country event.

The Christow show will feature several regular a rac ons such as the ever popular and hugely entertaining Terrier Racing, the 5K Cross Country Race and Children’s sports, and the classic car and tractor parades, while welcoming back ComeBye Sheep Dog demonstra on, the Britannia Beagles and the Dartmoor Hill Pony Associa on display.

Providing the foot tapping musical entertainment again this year are Bob King and his jazz band and the popular Wayward Pynes.

Introducing a new act to the show this year is Dangerous Steve - a thrilling motorcycle stuntman extraordinaire, featuring Quad Bike Stunts, Motorbike Tricks and Steve’s unique one-wheeler-motor-bike.

‘There promises to be something for everyone’, said a spokesperson for the show.

‘It was so well attended last year, we are expecting that the 100 years milestone celebrations will bring further newcomers to the day as well as those who so generously support us each and every year’.

Keeping visitors and volunteers alike fuelled and refreshed throughout the day are the many caterers at the show including Jaspers Event Caterers, deliciously temp ng cream teas provided by members of Christow Church and numerous pop up stalls offering pizza, burgers and ice cream.

A key aspect of the show is its commitment to supporting local charities, with many donations made to the region’s deserving charities each year.

This year the official charity is Marie Curie, who will have a stand at the show.