A RECORD number of people attended the Woolsery & District Agricultural Show on Monday, July 30.

Show chairman, Pat Martin, said: “Takings at the gate and programme sales exceeded any previous year which means that we will be able to make a generous donation to the president’s charity this year, the Farming Community Network.

“The weather had cooled down a little and the few early showers meant that a number of tourists decided to spend the day with us instead of going to the beach. It was ideal for the animals too!”

A speed shearing competition proved very popular this year organised by Nick Harding, with Brook Hamerton winning the intermediate competition in 43 seconds and Matt Smith a world shearing champion, originally from New Zealand and now farming in Cornwall, winning the open in 26.7 seconds.

Another popular attraction was the open team relay. Ten teams of four mounted riders competed against the clock having to walk across bridges, jump barrels and open and close gates. It was fun, fast and furious with a few rider tumbles to add to the excitement. The youngest team from the S&T Farmers Pony Club and the Great Torrington School Daredevils beat seasoned hunt riders to take the LAS Aerospace Shield.

The craft and food and farming stands were very popular with many traders selling out of their produce by the end of the day. A new initiative, the ‘Wellbeing Marquee’, sponsored by 1610 gym and leisure, brought together NHS advisers, Tamar Lakes parkrun and the combined Woolsery churches. Belinda Walker from parkrun and the NHS said: “Visitors could have a cup of tea, have a chat to people about their health and the benefits of healthy lifestyles, exercise and how to start. We were busy all day with more than 90 people having their blood pressure and sugar measured by our nurses.”

A major attraction was the annual ‘Landtalks’ lecture given this year by Dr Alastair Leake, the director of policy at the Game and Wildlife Conservancy Trust. Landtalks, the brainchild of Zeenat Rous, from Clovelly, brings influential people involved in national policy to talk directly to local farmers at the show. More than 100 people heard about ‘Life outside of the Common Agricultural Policy’ and what might replace the basic farm payment and other schemes. Dr Leake said there were glimmers of hope that the new schemes would be a significant improvement with bureaucracy reduced to the minimum, with more self assessment and financial rewards for farmers who deliver environmental protection and enhancement.

Next year’s show will be Monday, July 29.