GARGRAVE Show enjoyed fine weather and a very well attended 115th event at the weekend.

Heavy rain on the day before meant organisers of the popular fell races made changes to the route of the junior events, to avoid a beck swollen with rain, but all the races went ahead, with almost 80 men and women from across the country, and from as far away as Hong Kong and Zimbabwe, taking part in the senior race taking them from the show ground to Sharphaw.

There was plenty to keep the crowds in front of stately Eshton Hall entertained, with the livestock classes, showjumping, in-hand classes, horticulture and craft classes.

The around 20 gleaming vintage tractors were paraded in the main ring, which also played host to children’s sports, dog agility, the parade of champions, and to end off the day, terrier racing.

On the field itself, there were games for children, including bouncy castles, and a variety of trade stalls, refreshments, and for the very many vice presidents, a delicious ring-side lunch.

Young Jessica lambert won supreme interbreed champion with her homebred zwartbles gimmer lamb. It is a massive achievement to win the supreme interbreed title

Farming neighbours, the Lamberts and the Whites, from Selside, near Horton-in-Ribblesdale, were winners in the sheep section. Young Jessica Lambert won supreme interbreed champion with her homebred zwartbles gimmer lamb. It is a massive achievement to win the supreme interbreed title; while the Whites were winners of the reserve prize with their Mule lamb.  

Show president, John Beckwith, while handing out the trophies to winners in the sheep section, thanked everyone for attending and for maintaining traditional agricultural shows.

Mr Beckwith has been associated with the show for more than 50 years, and his family has farmed in Gargrave for almost 90 years. It was an honour to be president of the show, he said.

“We have all the delightful attractions that a country show needs, and I thank you all for coming, “ he said.

Craig Wilkins, from Oakworth, whose Shire mare, Oaklodge Maisie was placed first in the barren mare class and overall champion, said the ten year old, 17.2hh high mare, had been taken out of retirement to take part in the show, and will be out again next week at Kilnsey.

David North, from Calverley, near Leeds, brought along his three year old Shire, Calverley House May Queen. It was the first time out for the young, just under 18hh young mare, and she had done very well, he said.

Lesley Holt travelled from Mawdesley, Ormskirk, with her homebred Jersey cows to win with her 13 week old calf, Anna.

“We’ve had a lovely day at the show, and Anna has just been so good with all the attention,” she said.

Jane Foster, from Calton, near Skipton, brought along a rarity at Gargrave Show and was a winner with her British Charolais heifer, Crook Drake Nancy.

The 26 month old, who was fifth in her class at the Great Yorkshire Show, won first place in the pedigree continental class, to the delight of her owner, who said it was rare to see British Charolais at the event.

Isabell Thompson was the only entrant in the mounted fancy dress class, but a very worthy winner, dressed as a princess, complete with suitably dressed pony.

Sheila Brown, from Guiseley, said she and her husband had taken a chance with the weather and had ended up having a great day.

“We got our place next to the ring and have had a great time. The Shire horses were so beautiful and we enjoyed the show horse classes, the old tractors were amazing, so beautifully presented and we did like seeing all the animals lined up at the end. Its been a great day. “

Another show goer, Frank Burnside, from Pateley Bridge, said he had loved being able to get up close to the cattle and sheep. “Its been a very special day out,” he said.

For all the results, see the Craven Herald website: cravenherald.co.uk