AS Buckden Gala welcomed the return of the sheep show after a three-year hiatus, chair Peter Vetch thanks all who have worked so hard to put on an event which plays an important part in the life of the village. Below he reflects on this year's packed event.

 

WITH the return of the Buckden Sheep Show, which was last held in 2019, Buckden Gala finally returned to full pre-pandemic format. 

There was an excellent crowd, and everyone greatly enjoyed the usual mix of craft stalls, tearoom, hot dogs, beer tent, tombola and raffle as well as entertainment and fun activities. Musical entertainment was provided by Cadence Folk from Brighouse who performed a selection of traditional folk tunes.

The Buckden Pike Fell Race, organised this year by Andy Berry of Barlick Fell Runners, was won by Billy Cartwright of Matlock AC in a time of 33:47. Nicola Jackson of Keswick AC won the Ladies Race and came 4th overall with a time of 39:34.

The sheep show, organised by Janet Mudd and Ellen Hird, took place at the lower end of the Gala Field as usual. Male Champion Hill Breed and Dalesbred Champion went to S & E Hird, while Female Champion Hill Breed and Swaledale Champion went to J. Huck, who also took cverall champion. In the newly introduced Young Handlers Class Ben Huck took first place, with Amy Mudd second and Olivia Huck third.

The organisers expressed their thanks to all the farmers and sponsors who made it possible for the sheep show to happen once again.

This year’s dog show was organised and judged by Pamela and Tony Serjeant.  Class winners were as follows: Puppy: Rock (dog) owned by Izzy; Veteran: Mervin (dog) owned by Dawn; Most Handsome Dog: Charlie owned by Xena; Prettiest bitch: Willow owned by Sandra; Waggiest Tail: Gunner (dog) owned by Edward; Most Like its Owner: Missy (bitch) owned by Carol. Best in show was Missy, while Charlie was reserve best in show.

The children’s races, which were organized by Sarah Vetch and Vicky Bliss, from Kettlewell Primary School, were accompanied by a rain shower as is traditional in Buckden; however, updale children are not deterred by a bit of weather and there was an excellent turn out for the forwards, backwards, sack, and racket and ball races. The winners were Connie, Ben, Jack, Isabelle, Nola, Mikey and James.

The tearoom had a busy afternoon with a splendid selection of homemade cakes. The famous Buckden hot dogs were as popular as ever, and the George at Hubberholme provided the beer tent.

It was good to see Roger Ingham back after his recent illness and providing the commentary. The afternoon finished with the usual prize draw and egg catching competition.

It was particularly pleasing to see the return of the Sheep Show which everyone hopes will once again become an annual event.

Next year’s Buckden Gala will be held as usual on the 3rd Saturday in June (June 15, 2024) - a must for the diary!

Buckden Sheep Show 2023 - Results

Dalesbred Gimmer Hogg - 1st P Mudd, 2nd S & E Hird, 3rd J Horner.

Swaledale Gimmer Hogg - 1st and 2nd P Mudd, 3rd S & E Hird.

Dalesbred Ewe and Horned Lamb - 1st S & E Hird, 2nd P Mudd, 3rd J Horner.

Swaledale Ewe and Horned Lamb - 1st and 3rd J Huck, 2nd P Mudd.

Horned Ewe and Crossed Lamb - 1st and 3rd J Huck, 2nd P Mudd.

Dalesbred Tup Hogg - 1st S & E Hird.

Swaledale Tup Hogg - 1st G Schofield.

Dalesbred Aged Ram - 1st S & E Hird, 2nd J Horner, 3rd P Mudd.

Swaledale Aged Ram - 1st G Schofield, 2nd J Huck, 3rd P Mudd.

Best Fat Lamb - 1st G Schofield, 2nd S & E Hird, 3rd A Mudd.

Pair of Dalesbred Gimmer Lambs - 1st S & E Hird, 2nd J Horner.

Pair of Swaledale Gimmer Lambs - 1st S & E Hird.

Pair of Crossbred Gimmer Lambs - 1st and 3rd J. Huck, 2nd G Schofield.

Wooled Hill Sheep - 1st J Horner, 2nd S & E Hird, 3rd P Mudd.

Ram any other breed - 1st J Huck, 2nd S & E Hird, 3rd G Schofield.

Female any other breed- 1st and 3rd J Huck, 2nd A Mudd.

DB/SW Tup & Gimmer Hogg Pair - 1st S & E Hird.

DB/SW Tup & Gimmer Hogg Group - 1st S & E Hird, 2nd J Horner, 3rd P Mudd.

Best non 1st Prize Winner - 1st J Mudd.

Male Champion Hill Breed - 1st S & E Hird.

Female Champion Hill Breed - 1st J Huck.

Dalesbred Champion - 1st S & E Hird.

Swaledale Champion - 1st J Huck.

Overall Champion - 1st J Huck.

Young Handlers Class (New this year) - 1st Ben Huck, 2nd Amy Mudd, 3rd Olivia Huck.