THOUSANDS of people flocked to the 107th annual Wensleydale Show on Saturday, enjoying perfect sunshine, competitive livestock classes and traditional entertainment.
Like most other events, the 2020 show fell victim to Covid cancellations, and there was nothing but praise across the showground, off Richmond Road, at Leyburn, for the organisers, who worked tirelessly so it could go ahead.
Show vice-chairman Sarah Liddle, who was also exhibiting in the cattle classes, said: “We were hesitant about going ahead, but it has been the right decision, and we’re delighted that we could promote all that is great about Wensleydale and Yorkshire. We’re grateful for the support of our volunteers, committee members, who have put in hours and hours of work over the last few weeks, sponsors, trade stands, exhibitors, and the general public, who’ve turned out today. A special mention must also go to our secretaries.”
Among the visitors to the show was Richmond MP and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who toured the busy showground with show vice-president Joyce Sunter, accompanied by his wife, daughters and pet dog.
Rishi Sunak with Wensleydale Longwool breeder Ernie Sherwin
He said: “It has been a fantastic day and it was a courageous decision by the show to press ahead – a decision which was fully vindicated by the turnout.
“The show officials and committee have done an absolutely fantastic job of staging a fabulous showcase for the best the Dales has to offer after such an uncertain lead up to the event.”
Among the successes on the day were dairy champion Studdah Endeavour Casino Glamour, a three-year old, second calver Jersey owned by James Pratt, of Bellerby, and Stuart Clapham, of Laverton, and Wensleydale sheep breeder Ernie Sherwin, of Nosterfield, who took champion and reserve champion for the breed at its home show.
“It is an excellent show of Wensleydales and credit must go to all the breeders and exhibitors,” he said. “There is a better show of Wensleydales here than at the Great Yorkshire Show.”
Show secretary Katie Collin said the showground was busy, and organisers had been “blessed with the weather”. “Everybody has been so excited that we were going ahead,” she added. It has been really well received.”
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