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"
The 145th Loweswater and Brackenthwaite Agricultural Show "
"
The Loweswater Show - 2024"
One of the classic Lakeland Agricultural Shows is
held here in the Lorton Valley
with events and entertainment both on and off the
field.
- - - o o o - - -
Date & time: Sunday 1st September
2023, 10 am - 5 pm.
Location : Opposite New House Farm,
Loweswater, Cumbria, UK. ( NY 156 240)
With : Dougal and Dylan and about
2,000+ other people.
Weather : A lovely weather widow
of a few days at the end of a wet week
has given us a cloudy but warm day.
- -- o o o - - -
It's been a strange year weather wise, with alternating days
or weeks of sunny weather then torrential downpours.
All fingers were crossed in the valley this week, as several
other local shows have either been cancelled or were very waterlogged
and muddy.
A field inspection on Thursday gave everyone the go ahead to
put up the tents and prepare the ground . . . for the 2024 Loweswater
Agricultural Show.
The Valley plays host to The 2024 Show, amidst
the stunning landscape of the Lakes.
The morning started a little grey with the hint
of a mist in the air.
The forecast was for a dry day but with the
high fells and radial valleys of the area, the weather can do
unpredictable things . . . we kept our fingers crossed.
The tents, the Show Ring, Trade areas, notices
and entrances were laid out yesterday, ready for the visitors.
Today all we need is for the people to turn
up . . . and by the time I had arrived that was already happening.
The first job is to head over to the Industrial
Tent to place my competition entries.
The "Industry" in question is named
in recognition of the vast amount of effort (and industry) people
put in to produce entries for the Show.
Ideas have been formulated, materials gathered,
articles arranged, food cooked, recipes tested . . . in order
to produce the best the valley folk can offer.
- - - o o o - - -
Having placed my entries on display , I could
stand back and have a quick view of what the Judges will be
faced with in the next few hours.
- - - o o o - - -
CLASS 34 - ARRANGEMENT – “KEEP BRITAIN
FARMING” -
CLASS 36 - MIXED GARDEN FLOWERS IN A JUG
CLASS 40
- 4 POTATOES
CLASS 66 - THREE GINGER
BISCUITS
CLASS 56
- FOUR PIECES OF CAKE USING ONE VARIETY OF VEGETABLE
CLASS 58 - A CELEBRATION
CAKE
CLASS 84 - HOMEMADE MOCKTAIL IN A GLASS
CHILD'S
CLASS 7 - ANIMAL MADE FROM FRUIT OR VEGETABLE
CHILD'S CLASS 3 - DECORATED
WELLINGTON
A scary prospect ahead for the Judges in the
Industrial Tent !
- - - - o o o - - -
With the tent closing for Judging, it was time
to venture out and enjoy The Show.
The Sheep and Goat enclosures were in full swing
and have gathered a good crowd of onlookers as well as farmers.
Owners look on as animals are judged.
The Herdwick Rams are given a close inspection
by the gentleman in yellow.
Presenting your animal in the best light is
not restricted to competitors at Krufts.
Each of the owners have ensured their animals
are in the best possible condition for the show.
There was a whole page of sheep classes based
on their breed, age and sex
which included Herdwicks (seen here), Swaledales
(another popular mountain breed) Cross-breeds, Continentals
and Native Sheep.
My knowledge of makes of cars is better than
my knowledge of breeds of sheep . . . but I think these are
Suffolks.
I think we can safely say these are Dorsets,
up from Whitheaven for a day out at the Loweswater Show.
- - - o o o - - -
Alongside the sheep were several pens of goats
This goat on the left was particularly inquisitive.
The Judge inspecting a Mum and daughter's two goats.
There were six different classes to enter if you
wished.
- - - o o o - - -
The sound of the Cockermouth Mechanics Band
draws my attention
as they accompany the three local churches of
Lorton, Loweswater and Buttermere in a Loweswater Show Service.
Across in the main ring the Horse section judging
is in full swing.
"Turnout in Hand" classes where the
horse is led and not ridden.
The Heavy Horse Class is always popular as it
is an impressive one to watch
The owners take great pride in the immaculate
turnout of their large horses.
Horse and a foal hiding on the other side, waiting
to be called forward for their turn in the judging ring.
He just has to finish with the two who are already
in the spotlight.
In the smaller ring further down the field it's
time for the Under 16's Pet Dog Show.
The Show President in the mauve dress has the
unenviable pleasure of judging this one.
Lulu after coming 2nd in the Dog Show - Nigel
is a regular viewer of Loweswatercam.
A classic Lakeland Show also includes Fell Running
. . . here the Junior Fell Race is about to get underway.
The marshals are ready and waiting for the return
of the young runners after their race across the fields.
The last
two entries jog into line and they're off !
First home number 73
closely followed by a young lady, number 68.
The blue shirts with the white cross stripe
belong to members of the Cumberland Fellrunners Club . . . they
obviously have a strong junior contingent.
Likewise the Senior Race also sports more of
the same design of shirt.
[ I must admit that due to not having my glasses
on, I mis-read the time of the Senior Race and only found myself
there after the finish.]
[If anyone has pictures of the Run or for that
matter, the Hound Trails competitors and would like me to publish
them here, please do get in touch.]
From the Fell Race I returned to the field via
the Vintage Display, where there was an amazingly varied selection
of vehicles on show.
Just as the fell running club organise their
races, the car section is organised by another local, Simon
Riley and a willing band of local helpers.
A Lotus Esprit catches the eye due to it's aerodynamic,
if slightly dated, shape . . . it looked in brilliant condition.
A beautifully
restored Morris Minor, with the bonnet up . . . so you
can appreciate
. . . the simplicity
of the engine compartment . . . even I could work on
that !
- - - o o o - - -
Although you can enter in advance
most of the cars this year were entered 'on the
day'
including this unusual 'Morris 8' which had traveled
up from the Midlands
especially to be at The Show.
Now what you really need to complete the scene
is to have a couple of blonds
to drape themselves next to the cars to draw maximum
attention.
- - - o o o - - -
Will these two do ?
On the
back row but never shy of coming forward . . .
. . . a triple carburetor,
straight six AC Cobra, presented in wonderful condition.
- - - o o o - - -
There was also a display of Stationary Engines
all of which were fired up and working.
These engines were the first to reach the farms
in the olden days.
They provided power before the advent of tractors.
They could pump water,
turn machinery for harvesting, work conveyors and
there was even one here spinning a hand 'fret
saw'
of a type that I used as boy to make jigsaws.
No great sign of health and safety in those days.
No guards, barriers or notices . . . you were just
told to be careful !
- - - o o o - - -
The weather's holding up, you might even say
improving (but I'll say that quietly so as not to tempt fate).
Any youngsters want to play ball games, please
gather here in a few minutes.
- - - o o o - - -
The small ring behind has developed a crowd
. . . it was the start of the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
Starting with the youngsters, where the boys
and girls seem to compete on equal footings.
For those who are not familiar about the rules,
the competitors must lock their own hands behind the opponent's
back and wrestle them to the ground.
The loser is the first to hit the ground or
to lose their hold . . . it is a test of balance as well as
strength.
Best of three 'falls' is the winner.
Here the first second and third in their age
group are awarded their rosettes . . . and prize money.
- - - o o o - - -
The next group of competitors is a large one,
and if the Club photographer wants a picture here
she'll need a wide angle lens !
It was lovely to see one of the lads fitted out
in a classic wrestling outfit.
Historically it would be Long Johns with shorts
to protect their modesty.
'JA' is presumably his name and 'CW' represents
Cumberland Wrestlers
but I'm open to correction on that.
Full marks for the designs drawn on the outfit
too.
- - - o o o - - -
Now that Avian Flue in birds is less of a
problem, The Show was able to welcome the return of the Fell
Falconry Group.
This was
a beautiful Eagle Owl.
The Barn Owl can see
me whether he faces this way . . .
. . . or when he turns
his body completely round.
Apparently barn owls can turn their heads 270 degrees side
to side and 90 degrees up and down. To achieve this they
have 14 vertebra in their necks where as a human only has
7.
Thanks to the Fell Falconry team for their explanation.
- - - o o o - - -
Next to them was the Poultry Tent.
An colourful
display of potential prizes available for winners
today.
The tent was full
of birds of all shapes and sizes.
- - - o o o - - -
The egg in the last photo did not relate to that
bird in the cage above,
it was part of a competition for a display of
one (or three) Hen or Bantam eggs.
This competition, unlike the one in the Industrial
Tent,
was based on whole eggs (not their contents).
The critical aspect was the true shape of the egg
and the consistency of size and colour across three
examples.
- - - o o o - - -
Around the marquee was a really varied selection
of farm poultry
which represented entries in about thirty different
categories.
- - - o o o - - -
There
were birds, the like of which, most people had never
seen.
Some were soft and
fluffy, others adopted a more 'lived-in' look.
There
were the noisy ones who didn't care a quack . . .
. . . and the quiet,
almost serene ones, who just stared back.
- - - o o o - - -
The marquee on the other side of the Poultry
tent was the Craft Tent, where smaller producers could display
their wares.
This is a great opportunity for hobbyists
to turn their passions into a business.
Every sort of present, card, jewelry, ceramics,
place mats, soap or pictures can be purchased direct from
their designers or creators.
It tends not to include food or perishable
items.
For that you need to move across the show
ground to the Trade Stands area.
- - - o o o - - -
This is where you can buy food and drink
to keep you going on your busy day at The Show.
You may want a pancake filled with cheese and mushrooms
or simply coated in lemon and sugar.
For a more substantial lunch you may be tempted
to buy a burger and chips.
Here you have a choice of Herdwick, Wild Boar or,
don't ask, a 6oz Zebra Burger.
If Herdwick burgers come from Cumbrian Herdwick
sheep
which part of the world do zebra burgers come from
. . . I really should have enquired !
- - - o o o - - -
Helen's Herbs will supply your every need
with potted herbs to grow in the garden or on your windowsill.
She has extended her range to shrubs and rather
nice looking farm vegetables.
The Mawbray Cheese Company caught my eye,
with their unusual display of home made cheeses.
Cows, sheep and goat cheese, incorporating
within, or coated with herbs, spices and fruit such as cranberries
. . . the varieties seemed endless.
In the Trade Area there were also the stands
belonging to sellers but also special interest groups.
Here you could buy binoculars, see wooden
relief maps, support the Air Ambulance, lean about Squirrels
or Curlews, Rivers or Woodlands.
The Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team were
out in force to show people their rescue equipment and to
impart mountain safety information.
Both these two, the Air Ambulance and the
Rescue Team will hopefully benefit from the sale of my 2025
Loweswatercam Calendar on sale from today (more of which
below).
All this walking about has made me hungry
again . . . how about a Curly Whirly made from doughnut mixture
?
- - - o o o - - -
In the afternoon The Cockermouth Mechanics Brass
Band
were performing once again.
in their tent at the opposite end of the field.
Click
here or on the adjacent picture for a short
musical video.
If you opt for a full screen version then
press Escape to return.
.
.
Their performance ranged from Classical Music to
Show Time
in a wonderful range of tunes to the delight of
their many attentive listeners.
[My video also includes a few words from the 2024
Show President, Jan Evans]
- - - o o o - - -
Close by the Beer Tent was the Dog Ring . . . for competitions
involving Working Sheep Dogs and Hound classes.
Sadly the one victim of the recent poor weather this week
was the Show's Sheep Dog Trials, as the bottom field closer
to the river was still slightly flooded.
- - - o o o - - -
- - - o o o - - -
The Event Programme highlighted the commencement
of the Carriage Driving events in the Main Ring
One of the great things about these local Shows
is the number of local people you meet as you walk
around,
people you don't see on a normal day to day basis
but when you meet, you instantly catch up on events.
This is probably the same with dogs
as Dylan and Dougal met up with various acquaintances.
This retriever was Bracken from Lorton
(rather than their other friend Bracken from Lamplugh).
- - - o o o - - -
Eventually we did find ourselves over by the Horse
Ring once again.
- - - o o o - - -
The carriage racing is good fun . . . the
horse and riders negotiate around the cones,
with points being deducted for hitting the
gates and thereby dislodging the tennis balls from the top.
The event is suitable for young, newly experiences drivers
. . .
. . . but the rules are the same for those experienced
ones at the other end of the age spectrum.
There doesn't seem to be any class divides for type of
horse or carriage in this Show.
Here a heavy horse is drawing a four wheeled carriage but
there were lighter buggies with just two wheels.
The important thing was to compete against the clock without
incurring faults for hitting the obstacles.
- - - o o o - - -
As the afternoon went on the wrestling continued, as they
worked their way through the age classes.
We turned from the horses on one side to the Cumberland
Wrestling on the other.
Here the older lads are just clasping hands, ready to wrestle.
When they are competing there's less chance of catching
a clear photo because at times they can move very fast.
The referee judges the hold and the nature of the 'falls'
. . . . there's no instant camera replay on this one !
This is the "Senior - All Weights" final . .
. full of strength, balance and skill.
Their whole bodies and importantly their legs are used
to both remain upright and also to overbalance, trip or
topple your opponent.
An official photo of the finalists . . . the Show Web Site
or the Club pages should provide the names of winners.
[ Why is it that that every photo she took seemed to line
the competitors up a different angle . . . the groups always
managed to have their backs to me, wherever I was standing
]
I did however, manage this group photo of visiting competitors
from Brittany and Iceland.
We've seen some of these groups before as they venture
over on holiday in order to compete in these local Cumbrian
competitions.
- - - o o o - - -
Nearly the end of the afternoon and it's time for the Grand
Parade and Presentation of Prizes.
The horses line up and walk forward for their
Winner's Cups.
The compares for the day were the Glen Tubman
Team who announced the winners in turn.
Prizes were awarded by Jan Evans, the Show
President for 2024.
Some cups were easy to hand out . . .
Some she had to reach up a little higher.
When it came to the cars she often had to
reach across the passenger seat to make the award !
- - - o o o - - -
Four o'clock and the show is starting to draw
to a close . . .
The Industrial Tent has been open since lunchtime
and we get chance to see the labours of our industry.
Who's won the prizes, did he or she beat me
this year, did I win my class ?
Well I'm
still the Master "Bread Machine" Maker .
. .
. . . and I won on
the "Small Handmade Wooden Object"
The Limerick
Competition saw stronger competition . . .
. . . the subject
this year was "The Olympics".
The winner
of the "Sporting Photo" was well deserved
. . . but it wasn't me.
I did get a "third"
in the "Feathered Friend" category !
The Marquee was a great place to brag about your success
as this young lass did when I was taking photos.
She was pleased to point out her prize winning Pizza and
she was rightly proud too.
THE “MILDRED CHAMBERLAIN” CHALLENGE
CUP goes to Susan Todd
awarded to the exhibitor gaining most points in
the Industrial Section.
and a Plate for Pam for success in the Flower Section.
Our Vicar, seen here, won a Prize Bowl for the
"Best Mocktail" competition.
Perhaps Barbara will use the recipe once again
to fill the bowl when she gets home . . . cheers !
The Industrial tent closed with the final
awards for the "Best in Show" for flowers, jams,
cakes, for the children's classes and the remaining competitions.
The weather has held off, we've had a dry
but very busy day . . . and the field is still in good enough
condition for the farmer to put the animals on it again in
a day or two's time.
A big thanks, as the President said in her
speech (see
video), for all the committee, the helpers and volunteers
and the business and trades people who supported The Show
this year.
Finally a big thank you to you the visitors
and to the Hope Family for use of the field . . . Here's to
next year . . . once we've all recovered.
- - - o o o - - -
POST SCRIPT :
My photos of the day made it into the local
paper, The Times and Star.
- - - o o o - - -
Technical note: Pictures taken
with my Panasonic Lumix Gx8 (with telephoto) or my iPhone
11pro mobile phone camera.
Resized in Photoshop, and built
up on a Dreamweaver web builder.
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