New venue adds to success of Bentham Show (From Craven Herald)

New venue adds to success of Bentham Show

9:20am Friday 7th September 2012 in News

The rain stayed away at Bentham Show on Saturday, but visitors to the last show of the season never had to worry about the possibility of the heavens opening.

That was because this year’s show moved from Bellfleckers Field to Bentham Auction Mart, a venue that did not affect the number of visitors.

Secretary Val Lawson, of Tatham Fells, said: “We decided in March that because of the rising cost of canvas (for the marquees) to move to the auction mart by the kind permission of the directors.

“Last year the bad weather hurt attendances and they’re also building a new school on part of the field,” said Mrs Lawson: “I think people have supported us with our move, judging by the number of entries which are similar to last year.”

Show chairman John Whitfield said one of the things that made this year’s event a great success was holding it at the auction mart.

“The fact that we had a show that’s under cover helped make it a great success. After the wettest summer in living memory, we never had to give a second thought to cancelling and it went straight ahead.

Mr Whitfield, who farms at Tatham, added: “It’s disappointing that we had to abandon the horse classes, but they would have been impossible in this venue. But the livestock and handicraft classes were all well supported and we had a record number of entries (60) in the pygmy goats classes.”

Robert and Elaine Butterfield, who farm outside High Bentham, had a very successful show, winning eight of the 11 cattle trophies awarded on the day. Their dairy cow was also named supreme dairy champion.

“We won at the Great Yorkshire Show, Cumberland Show and Garstang Show, but it’s our first time out with this particular cow, so we’re very pleased,” said Mr Butterfield. “She’s a lovely balanced heifer that’s won its class and the championship.”

James Robinson, of Carnforth, showed the supreme champion sheep, a Texel ram.

“He’s a good true example of the breed,” he said. “He’s a seven- time winner at other shows this year and has been a reserve champion, but this is his first time as champion. It’s a great end to a good show season.”

High Bentham resident Ian Coates comes to the show every year and this year he brought his two children, son Korben, eight, and daughter Esmae, six.

“They come to see the school stuff,” said Mr Coates. “When it was down on the showfield Esmae used to compete in the horse riding classes, so we’re a bit disappointed. It’s a bit crammed, but with quite a few wet British summers it’s okay that they’re having it in here.”

Sally Ridgway, of Langcliffe, visited Bentham Show with her 16-month-old son, Peter, who was eager to stroke an eagle owl being displayed by Bentham-based Corio Raptor Care and Rehabilitation.

“I’ve been coming for the past five years,” said Mrs Ridgway. “I go to all the local shows because it’s good to support them.”

Diane Lawson, of Burton-in-Lonsdale, came to Bentham because she said “it’s nice to support your local show”. Her two oldest children – Leah, six, and Esther, four – had entries in the children’s domestic classes and won a few prizes between them. Mrs Lawson’s husband, Jonny, and other two children, Abigail, two, and Joshua, 12 weeks, were there enjoying a family day out.