AFTER a damp start the sun came out to shine on Holsworthy and Stratton Show at Killatree Cross, with the promise of ‘something for everybody’.

Show president John Barrett said his hope was for everyone to enjoy the day. “There is something for everybody, farmers and townsfolk alike.”

In the main ring entertainment included grand parade of stock, the horse and pony classes and championship and presentation of cups, the parade of hounds, bubble football and there was also a display by the North Devon Working Gundog Club.

Elsewhere, in the entertainment ring there was a falconry display from Westcountry Falconry, children and ferret racing and the North Devon Gymnastics Display Team.

Young farmer members’ creative talent was displayed in their marquee, with around 100 exhibits from Bradworthy, Stratton and Clawton clubs. Later in the day, members went head-to-head in the donkey derby, with lively commentary from Rob North.

Visitors could get involved in the family dog show, circus skills and flower workshops.

Mr Barrett, who said he has attended agricultural shows for more than 40 years as an exhibitor, and who retired as the managing director of Hamblys Ltd five years ago, added: “It’s a big honour to be president. There is only one a year and there is a big committee and even more eligible to be president. This is the one shot to see the other side of it all.”

Mark Dennis, chairman for his second and final year, praised the show committee for another successful event.

“It’s been a bit of a challenge to get it all together, the weather was not kind to us, but it never entered our heads to cancel or postpone the show and we put the measures in place to cope and they worked well.

“We have a very good committee and everyone is very good at pulling together and doing what is necessary.”

Mr Dennis said support from the committee had made his two years as chairman ‘very enjoyable’.

Martyn Mill, showground director, said the show went well with cattle entries full.

“There were a few minor problems setting up, but they were easily sorted. Cattle entries are full this year so we are really pleased. We were expecting a few not to come, but they have all turned up which we are really pleased with.”

Mr Mill said the committee installed tracks in and around the showground and car parks.

“The car parks stayed up well with the conditions, helped by the woodchip and tracks. The committee put in a lot of hard work last night (Wednesday) to make sure the show went ahead.”

Vice chairman Robert Cole said of the show: “It was a bit of a slow start during the morning, but the dry weather in the afternoon helped and there were a lot of people. It’s been a good day and entries have generally been very good.”

Secretary, Alison Heywood said it was a ‘fantastic’ day and weather failed to deter visitors.

She said: “A wonderful day was had at the 119th Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural Show. The weather had made it tough all week in the lead up, but with much determination and hard work from all the committee, stewards and volunteers the show was a fantastic success and the sun even shone."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.