Last updated at 16:44, Thursday, 29 July 2010

THOUSANDS fought the weather at the 2010 North Lonsdale Agricultural Show. Rare breeds, classic events, a motorbike display and a bee show kept the crowds enthralled. KATIE ROBINSON reports

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IN 1838 Queen Victoria was crowned Queen of Great Britain, Ireland and of the dominions overseas which constituted the British Empire at Westminster Abbey.

As the 18-year-old began a reign that would end with her overseeing the greatest empire the world has witnessed, a smaller, but no less significant event to those involved was taking place far to the north.

In a small Lancashire market town the North Lonsdale Agricultural Society was founded.

Yesterday, 172 years later, the old queen and her empire long gone, the society’s show goes on at Bardsea Park.

Planning began months back with work intensifying three weeks ago to ensure the 2010 North Lonsdale Show, sponsored by the Evening Mail, would go ahead as planned.

Field manager, Peter Coward, was determined there was no repeat of last year when bad weather cancelled the event.

Speaking at the ground yesterday morning he said: “It was a bit rainy when we first arrived, but the sun is coming out. I think we could have a perfect day now. I’m looking forward to all of it, all the classes, with the cattle and the sheep. We would like two or three thousand people to be able to come.

“Whether we get them, I don’t know, but the sun is starting to shine.”

Yesterday’s show had something for everyone with exhibits spanning all things agricultural and farming from machinery to the finest stock animals and horses.

Added Mr Coward: “We definitely weren’t going to cancel it this year. We had to do another show, or we would lose too much money. It’s between £15,000 and £18,000 to put this show on, but every penny is worth it.”

Hundreds of competitors gathered to battle it out for rosettes and ribbons with the first competition involving nine competitors in the 17 and over Equitation class.

Winner Christina Wiejak from Rampside, won first prize on her 11 year-old, mount, Martinside Walnut.

She said: “I’m very pleased. It was good. He looked like a midget compared to all the other horses.

“I’m very glad the show’s on. When it was raining I thought it might not be on, so I’m glad it went ahead.”

Judging the class was Yvonne Ashburner who said: “There is such a variety at a show like this.

“On the whole It was a good standard.

“It was nice to get the first class out of the way.”

As main sponsor of the event the North West Evening Mail had a strong presence at the show.

Publishing Director, Jonathan Lee, said: “The Evening Mail is delighted to sponsor the North Lonsdale Agricultural Show. “These types of events are part of the fabric of our community life.

"It's a great day for people to come together and enjoy all the events and attractions at the show ground.

“It reminds what a wonderful part of the world we live in.”

The show really is one for all ages with surely the youngest being one-year-old Isaac Cooper, from Tarn Side Farm, Leece.

At his first show, Isaac showed Holstein calf ‘Petal’ in the Calf Handling Class, but didn’t win.

Mum, Rachel, said: “He is loving it, he just loves being with all the animals.

“His first words were ‘baa’ and ‘moo’ so he’s a future farmer, we hope.

“We will go around later and show him all the animals once the judging is over.

“It’s good that the rain doesn’t seem to have dampened anyone’s spirits.

“Everyone looks forward to it that much over the year, the rain doesn’t matter and they enjoy it anyway.”

Ulverston estate agent, Ralph Spours, is in his second year as show president and believes the event is essential to the community. Mr Spours said: “Competitors are here, we have animals, people are laughing and smiling and having a great time.

“It’s terrific. It’s all to do with community and that’s why this is so desperately important.

“It must continue. Not for the benefit of the showmen or the people showing the cattle, but for the children.

“It’s our heritage and our future. You see people here who you haven’t seen since last year perhaps.”

Luckily the rain stayed away most of the time and while soft underfoot it did little to deter people enjoying all on offer, from immaculately groomed cattle and sheep to pony rides for the children.

Rain occasionally interfered with the day’s activities but interruptions were relatively short-lived.

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock was there with wife, Mandy and daughter Masie. He said: “I’m delighted the rain has stopped. When we arrived we thought the worst.”The Woodcock family spent the day looking at the animals on show, with Masie enthralled by the calves. Added Mr Woodcock: “Fantastic opportunity for the very best of the rural economy to show what they are about. “It’s important that we get the chance to celebrate that, especially after the tough times they have had over the past few years. “We should do what we can to show off what we have on offer in Cumbria and how our farmers are top of their game.”

Mr Coward has organised cutting hedges, marking out the ground and pretty much anything else to which he could bring his decades of experience to bear.

As he stood gazing at yesterday’s milling crowds he could be forgiven a quiet smile of satisfaction at the success of the 2010 show safe in the knowledge that a tradition dating back to 1838 remains as healthy and strong as the stock on show 172 years later.

“It’s in the blood, so it makes it all worth it,” he said, “It’s important to carry on events like this in the community. It’s a good tradition. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it.”

First published at 13:07, Thursday, 29 July 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk