LAST weekend’s Christow and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show was ablaze with colour, buzzing activity and entertaining country attractions.
Jan Deane, Horticulture and Produce Secretary, was thrilled with such a marvellous day while taking pains to praise those ‘unsung heroes’ behind the scenes.
‘Of course it wouldn’t be a fraction of the success it was without the sheer army of volunteers who give so much of their time on the day and during the weeks and months before-hand’, Jan , who this year also took over the baton of Show Secretary from Peter Farnsworth, said.
‘This is exactly what a country show should be,’ commented one visitor who was delighted to find the show on its website.
‘Everyone was so welcoming and friendly and there was so much to see and enjoy – we’ll definitely be back next year!’ they added.
In addition to the regular Main Ring activities, such as Terrier racing and Tractor Parade, The Dartmoor Hawking and Dart Vale, South Pool and Modbury Harriers were hugely popular with the crowds and a real favourite with the children.
‘Entries for the Cross Country Race far exceeded those of last year’, said Colin Edwards, who designed the 5K course.
‘It was a challenging run in parts but the weather was perfect and we were delighted with the number of entries!’ he added.
The sheer number of entries for the ever popular Classic Car procession, sponsored by Livery Dole, meant a safe parade of all the vehicles through the crowds to the main ring was adjusted in favour of a lap of honour by Livery Dole’s new electric Subaru Solterra.
It’s name combining the Latin words for ‘sun’ and ‘earth’ the Solterra proved so little disturbance the accompanying Swiss Valais Black Nose Sheep, sporting Livery Dole colours, were unperturbed by all the attention.
Among the many highlights of the day was a visit to the popular climbing wall, supplied once again by Adventure Okehampton.
Para Climber, Alex Downes, from Christow was able to show some of the skills that enabled him to compete in several national and international championships, including the IFSC Para climbing World Championships.
The Christow Show helped raise funds for the Exeter and East Devon branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The committee would like to thank their sponsors, Livery Dole of Exeter and Heltor Oil. ‘Support from local businesses is a lifeline to the continuing success of our show’ said Peter Preston, Chairman of the Christow Show.