Andrew Clarke

Last updated at 11:27, Thursday, 21 August 2008

THE popular mix of agriculture and attractions was on offer yesterday at the annual Gosforth Show.

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Following the cancellation due to the weather of other agricultural shows around the county, the event at Gosforth - the biggest in West Cumbria's calender - only went ahead following an emergency committee meeting on Monday.
And organisers are glad that it did as the rain held off and, at times, the sun even shone on the traditional mix of exhibitions, agriculture and trade stands.
The competitions were, as ever, well supported with judges commenting on the high standard of entries in the horticulture, handicrafts and produce tents.
Peter Wright's honey won the best exhibit in the section, while Gosforth WI took first prize in their category with their exhibit "A leisurely lunch".
In the horticulture tent, Mark Hewertson, who won in the gladioli, pansies and fuschia categories, was named the Best in Show.
As well as the exhibits, there were plenty of animals to interest the hundreds of visitors. Livestock made its return to the show, having been kept away last year due to foot and mouth, and in the poultry section, Robert Brown, from Uldale, took the top prize with his clay/wheaten. It was the second time that Robert, who has been showing at Gosforth for 40 years, has won the Best in Show.
The centrepiece of the show was the horse and pony ring, as spectators enjoyed performances in a wide range of classes.
Frankie Stewart, from Seascale was crowned Champion of Champions at the Grand Parade. She was riding heavy horse, Burlington Park Willow, owned by Alan Boulton.
The dog and sheep shows were also strongly contested with each category receiving a high number of entrants.
One of the most popular attractions this year was the local history tent. A host of organisations, including Cumbria Family History Society, Cumbria Archive Service and Beckermet History Group, were represented and displayed old pictures, maps, postcards and newspaper clippings to give visitors a taste of bygone Cumbria.
Other stands included Made in Cumbria, Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, World Owl Trust and the NFU, while there were games, slides and a bouncy castle to keep the younger ones entertained.
See next week's Whitehaven News for a full report, results and pictures.

First published at 11:05, Thursday, 21 August 2008
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk