What a Day! - Westmorland County Show 2006

 It is hoped the 207 th Westmorland County Show is not just remembered for the weather; rain aside, it was a fantastic day of which the Society should be proud.

Over 20,000 people braved the weather and happy faces could be seen all around.

Most sections recorded record entries - 720 sheep, 410 cattle, 550 horses and an incredible 75 pigs - an increase of over 300 animals from 2005. Exhibitors arrived from all parts of the UK - sheep from the Orkneys, driving horses from Norfolk , cattle from Devon and Aberdeen , along with hundreds more closer to home.

The two returning National Championships were again a huge success, attracting stock of an extremely high standard. Our New Zealand judge was most impressed with the pig section which boasted individual breed classes for the first time.

Lord Jeff Rooker, Minister for Food and Sustainable Farming was amongst the many guests (by the way it rained when he last visited in 1998!). He enjoyed the opportunity of talking to local farmers in the NFU tent and also presented prizes to the YFC cookery competition winners.

President Len Hayton, along with his wife Joy, really enjoyed his day and praised the tremendous spirit evident around the field. Unfortunately the Grand Parade, usually a Show highlight, was rather short, but Joy managed to lift the occasion by still gracefully wearing her lovely hat!

Not surprisingly, the marquees were full of people all day: over 50 schools and educational organisations displayed superb exhibits in the Learning for Life marquee and the WI's theme of "All Things Bright and Beautiful" provided a colourful spectacle. Producers did a roaring trade in the Food Hall and there were queues aplenty at the Local Food Court . New for 2006 was a display of vintage agricultural machinery.

Many visitors encountered difficulties on the roads, particularly when departing from the car parks. This problem, along with other vehicle-related issues, is being thoroughly reviewed - with the intention of keeping traffic flowing.

From this year's survey, 98% of visitors said they would be back - rain or no rain!

Post Show Mailbag

"I do believe that everyone who had any part in the management, organisation of the County Show , can be very proud of their contribution to what was a hugely successful major event not only in our local, but in the national calendar of agricultural highlights.

Sure! It rained, but it was neither cold, nor windy, just wet! Actually I felt there was a tremendous feeling of ambience and good nature pervading everywhere.

Keeping up to date with way in which we live and farm, I too have my own bit of diversification - a Caravan Club Certified Location (CL)

Over the Show period I had what I would call a mixed bunch - obviously they were all supplied with literature and attendance at the Show was more or less compulsory - the observations made were derived from their opinions and verdict.

The group: a doctor from Aberdeen , a gamekeeper from Lord Derby's a London city accountant, a lay preacher from Cheshire , all with wives in attendance. Plus a divorcee from Manchester with her cream Beddington terrier for which she purchased a new navy blue jacket at the Show and returning found she had a pale blue Beddington terrier!

Their verdict and proof of enjoyment of the Show? They have already booked in on the CL for next year."

Mrs Olive Clarke OBE, JP, DL, Kaker Mill

Take a look the County Show 2006 photo album

Sheep Results 2006
Sheep entries were up for the 2006 Westmorland show and we again hosted the Charollais Sheep Champion of Champions

Cattle Results 2006
The Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society again chose Westmorland Show to hold their National Championships

Full Results