RAIN held off until the final hour of Saturday’s Buckden Gala - leaving crowds of revellers to enjoy an excellent afternoon of entertainment, shows, races and music.

Organisers hailed the mix of stalls and the quality of the livestock and animal shows, while the tea room and beer tent were very well patronised. And local musical talent was to the fore as entertainment was provided the Skipton Community Orchestra.

The traditional sheep show took place at the lower end of the Gala Field, while the Buckden Pike Fell race was won by Jack Cummings of Ilkley Harriers.

The dog show was again judged by Rachelle Mahapatra and Bill Hanbury - ‘Dog with the Waggiest Tail’ was won by Daisy belonging to Derek Green; ‘Prettiest Bitch/Handsomest Dog’ was Paul Wilson’s Pip, while Moley won the ‘Shiniest Coat’ award for owner Rebecca Lambert.

The ‘Best Six Legs’ prize went to Belle and Beatrice, while Georgia Jarrett’s Violet won ‘Best in Show.’

By the time the children’s’ races started the rain was well established, but competitors were not deterred and there was an excellent turn out for the ‘forwards’, ‘backwards’ and ‘sack’ races, which were organized by Sarah Vetch.

Peter Vetch, chairman of Buckden Village Institute, thanked everyone who had worked so hard to get the event on.

He said: “As always in wet weather, the tea-room did excellent business with a particularly fine selection of cake.

“The famous Buckden hot dogs were was as popular as ever, and the beer tent was provided by the George at Hubberholme and manned by Ed Yarrow and David Hird.

“ As always Roger Ingham provided both the ice-cream, and his own unique style of commentary.

“The rain unfortunately put paid to the customary tug-of-war but the afternoon finished with the usual egg- throwing competition.

“As always, our thanks must go to gala supremo Debbie Roe and to field Marshall Bev Owen for all their work in organizing the event, as well as to all those who helped with preparations and on the day.

“The gala continues to play an important part in the life of the village, raising funds towards the cost of the recent refurbishment of Buckden Village Hall and providing an opportunity for the community to work and have fun together.”

l Pictures by Winpenny Photography

Sheep Show Results:

Dalesbred gimmer hogg

1st,2nd M&I Close 3rd E Hird

Swaledale gimmer hogg

1st M&I Close 2nd M&I Close

Dalesbred ewe and lamb

1st, 2nd,3rd M&I Close

Swaledale ewe and lamb

1st, 3rd M&I Close 2nd E Hird

Horned ewe and crossed lamb

1st, 2nd E Hird

Dalesbred tup hogg

1st, 2nd,3rd M&I Close

Swaledale tup hogg

1st M&I Close

Dalesbred aged ram

1st,2nd M&I Close

Swaledale aged ram

1st M&I Close

Best wooled hill sheep

1st E Hird 2nd, 3rd M&I Close

Best fat lamb

1st E Hird

Pair dalesbred gimmer lambs

1st, 2nd M&I Close 3rd E Hird

Pair swaledale gimmer lambs

1st M&I Close 2nd E Hird

Ram any other breed

1st M&I Close 2nd E Hird

Female any other breed

1st E Hird 2nd M&I Close

Tup hogg and gimmer hogg pair

1st,2nd M&I Close

Group of three

1st, 2nd M&I Close

Male champion

M&I Close

Female champion

M&I Close

Dalesbred champion

M&I Close with their ewe

Swaledale champion

M&I Close with their Aged Ram

Animal truest to type

E Hird