Blue faced Leicester is champion of the field at Eggleston Show

SHOWERS did little to put off show goers at one of the dale’s biggest agricultural meets.

Eggleston Show saw its public car park full to the top of the hill at West Barnley Farm on Saturday.

Neil Marsden’s striking Blue Faced Leicester took champion against Simon Haley’s champion Highland beast and Poppy Carr with champion pony Llanfrechfra Jolene. Show secretary Roy Oxby revealed stall bookings were full up before the day and entries were up across the show field.

He added: “We could not wish for better than that.

“Horse entries are up – we did not clash with Stokesley this year which must have made a bit of a difference.

“But I would like to think that it was the show they came for – people like it.”

Shorthorn cattle continued its strong showing since its introduction at the show and the poultry classes weathered the avian flu restrictions.

Mr Oxby added: “The poultry people had a lot of distractions because of the avian flu and the condition of birds because they’re malting.

“So we did not think we would get as many as we did – we’ve only finished up with a few birds less than we had last year. John Rogers is a very good poultry secretary.”

Fears over bovine TB reducing cattle numbers were also dispelled.

Mr Oxby explained: “It’s been steady away – we’ve had as many cattle as we’ve ever had. It’s the people with the shorthorns and the Highlands who have got their friends to come along.”

Stainmore’s Hillary Fawcett was on hand to judge a bumper turnout in the dales pony section as the Westwick Stud re-cemented top spot.

Ms Fawcett said: “The number and quality was brilliant from top to bottom – they’ve looked very well for this time of year.”

Months of organisation go into making the dale’s agricultural shows run to plan and Mr Oxby thanked all those who made it possible.

He added: “A big thank you to Arthur Hobson for letting us use his facility – since we’ve had it, it’s been the best site you could ever find for an agricultural show.

“A big thank you must also go to the farmers because of the sheer exhibition of cattle and sheep – I don’t think I’ve seen so many cattle at the show.

“And thanks to all the exhibitors in the marquees and the public for coming out.”

Thanks were also extended to Staindrop Young Farmers for their help with the car park.