‘STOKE really knows how to put on a show’, remarked a lady who has recently moved to the village — on what was a glorious Saturday afternoon at Stoke Climsland Show on August 4.

The atmosphere on the village green was cheerful and relaxed as people waited for the opening and presentation of the prizewinners’ cups. There were plenty of different stalls to browse in and located under the trees the amazing Bang Twang Band provided a wonderful place to sit and enjoy.

This year’s president, Beryl Empett, rose to the challenge of wearing a hat larger than Sandy Palmer’s as she delivered a brief and humorous opening address before presenting the cups. Notable junior winners were Thomas Barriball for his fruit, vegetables, handicraft, cookery and recycled art. Other junior winners were Chloe Wallbutton, Harriet Edwards, Rowan Kirkpatrick, Jessica and Rhianna.

Rob Badcock won three cups for his potatoes and vegetables, one for his beer and the Cornwall Garden Society gold certificate of merit. Ros Hardy, Lyn Crawley and Rosemary Evely also won significant silver ware for their efforts.

The competition was very stiff and several judges, including the judge for handicraft, floral and children’s entries, commented on the high quality of the exhibits displayed in the spacious (and rather warm) marquee.

There were some very innovative entries. Interactive Mr and Mrs Trump puppets made a lot of people smile, and there was a handmade didgeridoo and two beautifully made guitars. The relatively new ‘felt class’ had a gorgeous dog and somehow, despite the dry weather there were some fantastic fruit, vegetable and floral entries. Photographic entries were down a little this year, but the standard was again very high.

A display by the WI to celebrate 70 years of the NHS, which had been their entry into Launceston Show, looked at the experience during wartime of a local WI member who is a nurse. It included a very realistic wounded serviceman in a field hospital — a very thought provoking and creative display.

‘Jumping out Jazz’ meandered around the show performing their unique style of traditional Jazz and Swing as people enjoyed their day. There was a wide choice of refreshments from the popular ‘afternoon tea’ in the parish hall to hog roast or the Social Club bar.

The beautiful weather continued into the evening enabling lots of families to picnic, relax and socialise on the grass in front of the marquee.

As the evening approached the marquee was cleared and divided up to create a more intimate feel and it felt like a cross between a night club and a barn — an amazing transformation in just a couple of hours.

The free entertainment kicked off with Luke and Jodi who sang and played guitar together, their voices complementing each other beautifully.

They were followed by DJ Reynard who played a great mix of music across the genres appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Last year’s performer James Jack returned this year with his amazing new band Echo Chamber who have been growing in popularity over the past year. They performed some of their own songs and some very popular covers, which got people up and dancing. They were so good that MC and local rock legend, David Bundy, suggested they ‘book them for next year before they become too famous’!

The night was rounded off with a very energetic set from DJ Reynard who kept people up on their feet dancing.

Big thanks were expressed to everyone who helps to support the show in any way, whether through entering, coming to enjoy the day, buying a raffle ticket or helping out on the day.

If you would like to be involved with next year’s show, they are always on the lookout for new volunteers, so if you feel you would like to be involved, contact any committee member or Sarah Ross, show secretary [email protected] or 01579 370521.

Thanks were also expressed to everyone who supports the show’s various fundraising activities. The Pizza Party at Higherland raised £1,135 for the show and the Social Club.

The next jumble sale in aid of the show will be on Saturday, October 6 in the parish hall. Contact Jenny Llewellyn on 01579 370675 if you have items to donate.