Final preparations were done, entries sorted and arrangements made in time for the usual 1st Sunday in September (4th Sept).

The Show was held in the Lorton Valley and despite being forced to cancel for the last three years due to the weather or Covid,

the well tested routines fell into place and the Show Ground was ready. Let's hope the weather holds for a  day out at this great Valley Show.

Welcome to the Loweswater Show . . . enjoy your day out, or if you didn't make it, enjoy the photos.

[ This is my personal take on my Cumbrian day out and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the Show Management.]

Several days work by tent erectors and numerous local volunteers

meant the site was ready for the first of the competitors and hopefully a host of visitors today.

Animals varies in size from the large Working Horses . . .

To the smaller breeds, be they equine, sheep, goats, dogs or human.

The professional caterer's tent is up and ready to serve food.

The smaller mobile caterers are also in place and ready around the field.

The fell race officials are building their base for the afternoon fell running events.

The industrious ladies and gentlemen (that's us) of the valley are bringing their competition entries to the Industrial Tent.

Full marks to Catherine and the committee for keeping on top of the paperwork and supervising the displays.

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On with The Show.

One of the first competitions to get under way was the Sheep Dog Trials.

The skill of the dog and the handler were put to the test as they directed the sheep around the hurdles.

Several of the sheep this year seems insistent on hiding in the ditch of the local stream

but eventually they were rounded up and pursuaded into the final pen.

There were no entries for cattle this year due to the Foot and Mouth regulations

but there was an excellent turnout of sheep and goats, on display here in the static pens.

During the course of the morning they were called forward for judging . . .

. . . where their presentation, health, their build and their closeness to breed standards were judged by the officials.

These were the Dorset Sheep.

   Don't ask me what breed these were . . . answers please on a post card !

Classes were divided into specific breeds like Herdwick, Fell Sheep or Leicesters

or came under the general classification of 'Native' or 'Continental'.

Sheep are judged depending on their sex, their age and whether they have lambed or not.

These are Rough Fell sheep I believe.

Three lovely Ryeland sheep.

Often the entries were for specific groups of two, three or four animals.

This young sheep was a particularly attractive animal

but one that would have needed a lot of love and attention before showing.

They often accuse dog owners of looking like their dogs,

I think something similar is going on with this young lady too.

Congratulations on your show success! We did pop in there and saw your prizes, but didn't see you anywhere, looks like you were rushing about all over!   Thankfully the weather wasn't too bad at all but we had left before it really cleared up, still it was a very enjoyable visit once again! I am sure someone has already mentioned the sheep but we were talking to both the fluffy ones owners. The black face ones are a Swiss breed and the ones in your other photo are Angora we were told, mum and little ones. We cannot believe it is Calendar time again and yes we would love for you to keep one for us if you don't mind, where has that year gone!!   Amanda and Bill.

There were competitions for young handlers, as well as the experienced farmers.

. . . and as we moved down the pens I found the classic Herdwick judging going on.

A Cumbrian Herdwick with classic red ruddled coat, providing a fine display.

The prizes are not large,

but the reputation of the farms and the value of the animals is increased following successful performances at the Shows.

By mid morning the field was filling nicely with visitors who had also come to enjoy The Show.

In the main ring there's commentary on the first of the horse events.

The judge makes sure the course is completed in the correct order . . .

. . . and the gates are not disturbed.	Any fallen tennis balls were replaced  afterwards by the steward.

Following the dog show, the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling got underway.

Dougal and Dylan waited patiently as ever.

- - - o o o - - -

The classes started with the youngsters.

The event was popular with the crowds, who gathered round to watch and applaud.

The classes were arranged by age with both girls and boys competing.	The older the competitors, the more technical the wrestling.

The first to hit the ground loses the round . . . and the winner is decided on the best of three 'falls'.

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Whilst the wrestling and the horse competitions were running, the working dog, trail hounds and the fell racing competitions

were also being held on different parts of the show ground.  Sadly I couldn't be everywhere so apologies for not including all the events.

[ For those looking for the popular Poultry Tent, that too was missing, a victim of the Bird Flu epidemic.]

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While I was watching the wrestling I suddenly noticed a decorated sheep walking past !

This was the Meadley entry for the "Fancy Dress Competition".

The parade was for "Horses (mounted or un mounted), Dogs or any other Animal or Human"

" Chose your own theme."

The "101 Dalmatians" entry was well thought out, even down to the velcro spots for the horse.

The commentator (Mr Tubman junior I believe) interviewed each of the entries.

Last man (?) into the ring was this fine Unicorn.

- - - o o o - - -

What's that above New House Farm . . . a rainbow.

The expected improvement was late but dramatic when it did arrive.

The rainbow was also seen in Loweswater by fellow photographer Jenny Harper.

Suddenly the field was bathed in sunshine and the mist covered fells cleared as if by magic.

It must have been that nice unicorn that made it happen. 

I felt that I should run round and re-take lots of photos to reflect the weather, but sadly my battery was running out   ;o)

Time for the Grand parade and presentation of trophies . . . one for that well turned out Morris Minor we saw earlier.

The "Best in Show" Vintage Car was awarded a trophy by Jan Evans,

in memory of her late husband Gwyn who was a keen vintage car enthusiast.

Now the weather had improved there was chance for a dry seat and a human snack to keep us going for the rest of the afternoon.

I said 'human' snack . . . you two have had your lunch !

The sunshine brightens the inside of the Craft Tent where you could buy all sorts of hand made items.

There were displays of pictures, cutlery, greetings cards, clothing, cushions and so much more on sale.

After the Industrial Tent prizes and Cups were awarded

there just remained the delightful task of collecting one's entries and any prize money on offer,

a successful conclusion at the end of another busy day at The Show.

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Before you go I'll leave you with a reminder of the atmosphere of the day, courtesy of the Cockermouth Mechanics Brass Band.

Click here or on the picture above for a short musical interlude.

The link will open my one minute Loweswatercam 'YouTube' presentation.

If you attended, hope you had a good day, if not then I hope you've enjoyed the photos . . . do let me know.

Send me an email, or better still . . . take advantage of the offer below ;o)