Westmorland County Agricultural Society Show 2007

The 208th Westmorland County Show will be remembered as a unique event – the only one in history not to include livestock classes. Despite the devastating news of the previous afternoon, crowds nevertheless flocked to the Showground demonstrating a huge wave of support, not only for the event itself, but also for the wider farming community. An almost record crowd of 25,100 enjoyed the day and it was great to see so many “would-have-been” exhibitors taking the time to come along even if their animals couldn’t.

With over 350 trade stands, record entries in the equine sections along with dog, hound, terrier, stick and poultry classes, there was still something to satisfy all ages and tastes. Huge thanks go to the many people who stepped in to provide alternative displays – Stuart Walton with his Ducks and Dogs, the Philip family for the virtual Highland Cattle Show, Greenside Alpacas for the miniature donkeys and Graham Wadsworth for the petting farm area.

New classes for Open Heavy Horse, alongside the traditional Shires, attracted over 60 entries. A special ridden heavy horse class provided added excitement in the exhibition ring. The driving section also boasted record entries, with keen competition, especially in the cone driving.

Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for Marine, Landscape and Rural Affairs, was amongst the visitors to the Show. Spending time talking to local farmers gave him opportunity to find out exactly what the movement restrictions would mean for Cumbrian livestock producers. He also presented prizes to the winning Food Hall exhibitors.

Light Horse followers were treated to an exhibition and demonstration class by the Icelandic Horse Society and the YFC entertained visitors with a car-rolling challenge – a six strong team rolled a Vauxhall Astra, which had been painted to look like a cow, across the main arena against the clock.

President Chuck Mason, along with his wife Averil, thoroughly enjoyed his day, visiting parts of the Show he had not seen before. Never let it be said that Westmorland didn’t have cattle in the Grand Parade – instead of the traditional parade of prize winning animals, life-size fibreglass cows were driven around the ring – to huge cheers of support from the crowds!