SKELTON SHOW RETURNS WITH OPTIMISM

After the 2022 washout and show cancellation, the committee has bounced back and are resolved to ensuring this year’s Skelton Show goes ahead and is the best one yet! Exhibitors and traders are booking in and a full list of classes is available on our website, with hard copy schedules available from the secretary and local agricultural suppliers. 

We are pleased to introduce and welcome new key members to the committee.  We were sad to lose Mick and Jane Crocker who decided to step down after eighteen years and we would like to sincerely thank them for their commitment and all their hard work.  As so well known and respected within the local agricultural community their places were going to be big boots to fill but we are delighted that Mary Wilson, farmer’s wife from Hardrigg Hall, Ellonby has become Livestock Secretary ably supported by her daughter, Amy and alongside Derek Wilson as the new Livestock Steward.  With their respective experience, both Mary and Derek have the right credentials for managing the livestock section going forward.

Jackie Storey from Kirklinton has taken up the reins as Equine Secretary and says “I’m looking forward to working with the Skelton Show team and helping to run a good, fun day; it’s a show that I’ve always enjoyed and have some lovely childhood memories.  This year we are implementing HCR qualifiers for the ex-racehorses and we will see Denise Richardson Rowell judging the class then presenting the Eileen Richardson Memorial Trophy for the Cob/Riding/ex-racehorse in memory of her late Mum.  In addition, Paul Richardson will be judging the Champion of Champions.”

Jackie was brought up in a farming/equine family in Northumberland and has come to Skelton Show since a child with her Grandfather who showed Clydesdale horses.  Jackie and her husband Brian have judged at many prestigious shows both nationally and in Ireland as well as competing ex racehorses nationally.  Jackie helps Brian on the farm with the sheep and horses and is also a licenced dog breeder.

Jackie is preparing this year’s show alongside Rachel Bastow who helps with the admin in the run up to the event and Adam Fawcett who is Head Steward in the equine area.

As well as retaining our traditional agricultural roots, the show continues to evolve to provide a great day out for everyone.  The Food and Entertainment village will serve up a varied range of food and drink, with live entertainment throughout the afternoon and early evening – keep an eye on our website for the list of acts.  

Of course, the traditional agricultural aspects are still very much at the heart of Skelton show as Chairman Colin Atkinson comments “in addition to the large selection of cattle, horses, dogs and sheep, there is a marquee full of classes for children, cooking, painting, floral arts, vegetables and walking sticks. The extensive @TasteSkelton Food and Gifts and Crafts tents provide a wide range of local produce to taste and purchase whilst other attractions include the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling competition, pony sports and numerous trade stands”.

Concluding, Show Director John Slee remarks “we have an action-packed day planned to provide great entertainment and enjoyment; in the main ring the entertainment will feature the fearless and amazing On the Edge motorcycle stunt team.  As a complete contrast with a calmer and more elegant event will be the Concours d’Elegance equestrian display.  Other attractions include the popular Scurry Racing, Ullswater Community College Cheerleaders as well as the fun Terrier Racing spectacles.   To host such a major event, we rely upon an army of volunteers and I’d like to thank all those who have agreed to assist us this year – all of whom will help ensure we host a great show day.”

Finally, an exciting new addition to the usual show event will be a ‘Sunday Funday’ from 1pm on Sunday 2^nd July on the showfield.  This aims to provide a family atmosphere with bands, street food, darts and tug-of-war competition as well as the fun fair and games for the kids.  Entry will be just £5 per person with children free (if accompanied by an adult). 

NOTE: There are Early Bird offers for tickets purchased online via our website during May and early June and Sunday Funday tickets are also available online.