THE crowds really did flock to Woolsery Show this year as a record number of visitors flooded through the gates on July 29.

The gate was up by about 40%, car parking was at a premium and trade stands reported their best show ever. Many holidaymakers rejected the beach and quite a few locals confessed they were visiting for the first time.

Chairman Mrs Pat Martin said: “Woolsery Show is still a traditional rural show, run by volunteers and very well supported by its community and generous sponsors. We don’t spend money on commercial entertainment and we keep our costs down to ensure we can donate a large part of the profits to charity. This year the president, Bob Hicks, chose Children’s Hospice South West.”

The show really does have a reputation of being friendly and relaxed, encouraging new exhibitors or those with young stock to come along and enjoy the experience.

The young handler classes attracted plenty of children — the farmers of the future!

Milking cows, cheese and cream making and having a go at spinning wool, weaving or felting kept many people entertained whilst they learnt more about important agricultural and rural skills.

Others enjoyed a head and shoulder or foot massage in the ‘Wellbeing Marquee’ whilst health professionals tested blood pressure and sugar levels and advised on other health issues.

The entertainment highlight was the team relay, where one rider was replaced by a runner and a dog, loudly cheered by the audience, to negotiate various obstacles and a tunnel.

The winning team came from the Stevestone Hunt with runners up from the Eggesford Hunt.

The Landstalk Lecture, organised by the honourable Mrs Zeenat Rous of Clovelly, was given by Caroline Drummond, the chief executive of Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF).

Caroline told the audience: “Farming is such an important industry and holds the solution to many things including improved health and diet, climate change mitigation, and enriched nature and biodiversity.

“We are at a pivotal point and we really need to make sure that we, as farmers, are communicating what we do as part of the solution to global challenges.”

The show concluded with the grand parade of champion horses, cattle and sheep followed by the ever-popular vintage parade and then for the first time, a gun run performed by the Hartland Air Training Cadets. Where upon the heavens opened bringing an end to a very successful and enjoyable day.

Results:

Dairy champion cow — Greenway Bluemoon, L Rockett and A Marshall.

Interbreed beef champion — Clannaborough Favre EX90, Michael Cowell.

Interbreed sheep champion — Charolais, Tom Nancekivell.

Supreme horse — Dartmoor pony Okeleat Quintette, Mr and Mrs K Locke.