COMMEMORATING 100 years since the very first show in 1925, Christow and District Horticultural and Agricultural Society Show attracted almost 2000 visitors last weekend.

‘We could not have wished for better weather’, commented Show Secretary Jan Deane, who reported record numbers in most event this year.

‘The show ground was ablaze of colour and activity with such a variety of things to see, there really was something for everyone to enjoy’, Jan added.

Chris Read returned with his entertaining duck and sheep herding display, Come Bye, with working dogs Rod and Caz; and the popular Parade of Tractors, Britannia Beagles and Dog Show made a welcome return with a new attraction this year, Dangerous Steve, who gave a thrilling display of quad bike stunts motorcycle tricks plus his unique one-wheeler ‘up-side down’ bike.

The horse showing classes had an excellent attendance with crowds enjoying the regular classes such as the Best Rider and Best Turned Out as well as Clear Round Show Jumping, Working Hunter and a great display by the children from the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association.

Sheep entries were up too on last year, delighting visitors with entries for classes including Best Ram, Breeding Ewe, Lamb and Finished Lamb.

Opening the show in such a special year, it was appropriate that the honour should go to show President Tom Archer, who together with his brother Sam, have held firm family connections with the show over many years.

Tom is also Agricultural Secretary of the Show Committee.

The official opening also marked the start of the Cross Country Race, a challenging 5 K run beginning and ending with a lap of honour in the Main Ring.

Runners were provided with a half-way 'hydration station' ensuring competitors had plenty of water to combat the extreme temperatures on the day.

With one of the most popular highlights being the hugely entertaining Terrier Racing event, the show also gave visitors much to see and admire in the competitive display of horticulture, craft, cookery and preserves and the special children’s classes in the main hall.

With the children’s Sports and Fancy Dress Parade and Sheaf Pitching in the afternoon, the show drew to a close with the Presentation of Trophies, Tug of War and Auction of Produce, with this year’s proceeds going to the show’s nominated charity, Marie Curie.