The doors opened recently for the 41st year of Spennithorne and Harmby Villages Show, with a steady flow of hopefuls depositing their entries.

By 9.45am the last entrant made a rushed appearance just in time and the doors closed with an amazing 500 entries.

The show is just finding its feet again after missing three years due to the Covid pandemic and it’s certainly back with a bang.

Competition was fierce but good natured and after the morning’s judging the doors opened to entrants and public to enjoy the array of handicrafts, produce, horticulture and much more.

Entrants included those from right across the dales including one visitor from Mexico visiting his aunt in Wensley.

The village hall soon filled with excited chat and congratulations, bringing the community together over tea and homemade cake. New features this year were the cake stall and plants for sale.

The eagerly anticipated trophy ceremony saw Marie Mann, executive head of Middleham and Spennithorne Primary Schools, present Alison Torode, of Wensley, overall winner with the most points in the competition.

The Young Peoples Trophy went to Ellie Walker, her sister Olivia having won in 2023.

The Margaret Knowles Trophy for the overall winner in the produce section went to Mark Boot, of Spennithorne, for his carrot cake.

Other trophy winners were:

  • Handicrafts, Pauline Twyman, Scotton.
  • Photography, Miles Langthorne, Brompton.
  • Produce, Alison Torode, Wensley.
  • Flower arranging, joint winners Charlotte Roberts, Low Row, and Marguerite Mawer, Harmby.
  • Horticulture, Charlotte Roberts.
  • Young Peoples handwriting, Ella Smith.

For this year's charity item the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle will benefit from the crafted palm held hearts created with love and care for their palliative care packages.

Since 1983 Norma Croft has been instrumental in bringing the show to life with the assistance of her sister Marguerite Mawer. Both have announced they are stepping back from the show committee this year, and those present gave rousing applause to their dedication over many years.

A spokesperson for the event said: "The year of that first show was also the year the law was passed that all drivers and front seat passengers must wear a seat belt, well buckle up because the competition is already underway for next year's show. Make a note we have a green light for Saturday, September 13, the 2025 show."