SKELTON SHOW BOUNCES BACK

After a gap of four years, we promised to come back bigger and better and what a fabulous show we had this year! Good weather, a record crowd and a very high standard of entries all created the perfect atmosphere for a truly memorable show. The picturesque location at `Hutton-in-the-Forest’ was the setting the 127th annual show – a very special milestone which was celebrated in style.

As the overnight rain cleared, the generally fine weather provided a perfect backdrop as the car parks rapidly filled to see the field come alive. People came from all over the world and the overwhelming response was “everybody is so friendly, so much to see and do – what a fantastic family day out”!

Competition was intense in the livestock lines with the Agricultural Champion of Champions going to the overall Livestock Champion owned by Messrs J M & S M Priestley for their Limousin Heifer, whilst the overall Horse Championship was won by Sophie Pollock with ‘Pembroke Plan of Action’ (shown by Jackie Williamson) who had won the In Hand Sports Class.  The overall Sheep Champion was a splendid Shearling Beltex Ram produced by B Hall.

Elsewhere on the field, the crowds enjoyed the large industrial marquee exhibits, several dog shows, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, meeting the Alpacas and the outstanding parade of vintage vehicles – one of the many highlights of the day. 

There were over 200 trade exhibitors displaying a wide variety of goods. Of particular note was the spectacular and ever-growing taste@Skelton food festival with every sort of local food and drink available as well as several cookery demonstrations. The ever-greater craft and gift tents proved a huge hit as did the wide variety of entertainment on offer.

The ‘On the Edge’ Motorcycle Stunt team gave two fast moving and technically difficult displays – their agility and skill in riding their machines over obstacles and finally up the vertical side of a wagon was outstanding. 

The Ullswater Community College Wolves Cheerleading Squad, revelling in their recent success in becoming National champions, gave a fast moving and lively gymnastic display whilst the North Cumberland Hunt Foxhounds paraded their pack in the main ring and invited children to meet the hounds.

The North Cumbria Driving Club organised a fast-paced scurry racing competition, where horse and carriage teams competed in a knockout competition, and which was won by Tony Cockburn’s pony Francesca, driven by David Cowan.

On a gentler note, the Concours d’Elegance class proved very popular with both riders and horses beautifully decorated.  The winner was owned by Mrs C Elliot and ridden by Alison Figg; ‘Hamish of Blengside’ will go on to represent the show nationally as one of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations 100 champions as they celebrate their centenary. 

Chairman, Colin Atkinson was delighted with the day and said “It was brilliant to see how well the show day went – we promised a better and bigger show after disappointingly missing three shows and we have delivered!  As a committee and with our volunteers, we all work so hard with weeks of preparation to provide a great show for our traders, our exhibitors and our visitors so to see the showfield full and happy, smiley faces made me feel very proud as Chairman”.

A new venture this year was our Sunday Funday where families were invited for a relaxing afternoon with children’s amusements, sports, live music and refreshments. The committee were pleased by the turnout which has given them confidence to plan more activities and attractions for next year. Show Director John Slee said “whilst we have all the facilities on site, it was good to hold a smaller more relaxed event on the Sunday which despite a few heavy showers was enjoyed by those who attended”.

Finally, the show would not be possible without the support of hundreds of volunteers who freely give their time. Our sincere thanks to all the committee, stewards, exhibitors and most importantly the public for turning out in their thousands to make our show truly special – this year’s event will go down in the record books as one of the best shows ever!