As the rain may come later, we started early, getting to the entrance soon after ten, There was already a lot of people there, but we could wander through the livestock tents and see some wonderful animals, quite easily.
Then it was time for a break and we went off to find some refreshments. We got pastries to go with our coffee in the food tent, which was packed with local producers, selling their delicious wares. Some of these we remembered from other 'shows' around the county, and some from the local farmer's markets.
We sat by the bandstand, and just before we finished, the band came marching in - the British Legion Band, and they squeezed in to the bandstand with scarcely room to play their instruments. They were dressed in smart uniforms, and were mostly young people, really enjoying themselves.
Just round the corner we found a display of antique farm equipment. All of them have been lovingly restored and were working away, puffing out steam.
There were demonstrations of country crafts such as sheep shearing (by hand) and wood turning.There was a falconry display as well as morris dancing when the Pilgrim Morris Men got loads of young folk up to have a go, which was great and they really had a fun time! There were even some angora goats in their own special tent with some goods made from their wool to buy.
Our next stop was one of the display rings. Here they were judging the donkeys and their owners, followed by the donkey carts, which were put through their paces, showing how smart they were as well as how well they were turned out. Some needed a bit of practise, but the winner looked like a seasoned campaigner with driving skills and turn out to match.
By now it was very warm, with the sun beating down, We went in search of ice cream, which we took into the shade of some trees. Just beside us was the mole catcher - with his catchy slogan! (Making it safe to go back on the lawn.) Then we walked past the roundabout with its lovely horses and gaudy music, past lots of tents selling everything from wellies to jewellry until we spotted the sheep show. Here a New Zealand chap was just starting his show from the trailer of his huge truck. The stars were several different breeds of sheep, which he introduced with a brief history - very tongue-in-cheek! Then he sheared a sheep for us; played some music for the sheep to dance to, and that was it. It was quite hilarious and he attracted a huge crowd of folk and a huge round of applause at the end.
After this light entertainment we walked around the ground to try and get a view of the main ring, which is quite difficult when the stands are full and the other area where you can look over the fence is thronged with people. We found a bit of a view near the entrance gate and saw the last of the prize cows walking around the field. Then from here we could see some of the double harness scurries that were competing around the driving course. It was fast and furious and the main sponsor was competing for a place in the finals. He got through with two pairs of horses, along with several others whom we would eatch a little later.
In the interval we had a demonstration by the monster trucks, which sped about the field, charging across it a diagonals over some wrecked cars. Unfortunately for us, the organisers parked some extra cars across our view, so we didn't see much. Every diagonal charge was an attempt to get the vehicles airbourne, and at last the red one overturned. Luckily the driver was unhurt and the fork lift truck came on to right it again. Then we watched the finale of the double harness scurries, which was slightly delayed as one of the prize bulls, weighing in at over 1000kg, decided it was not getting into the truck taking him home. It bent some fences as stewards, owners and handlers tried to drag it to the truck. Eventually they managed to push the beast in and the show was underway again. The final got under way and then it was the finale in the main ring with the British Legion band leading the way.
The skies were darkening, but the hotair balloonists now entered the ring - and as many people were leaving, we moved up to a better viewing spot. We watched them inflate two of the balloons, but sadly the threat of a thunder storm was to great for them to take off, so now it really was time to go home after a really great day out.
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