Thousands gather for big show

Tom Smith, from Coven, washes down his Beef Shorthorne Bull Carsmore Thrasher.

Thousands of people today flocked to one of Shropshire’s oldest one-day agricultural shows which was axed last year because of torrential rain.Visitors have been pouring through the gates at the Burwarton Show as it made its return.

The weather this year has so far been kinder with the crowds lapping up the sunshine.

Exhibitors from across the Midlands and Wales have been flocking to the showground to show their animals.

Hundreds of animals from more than 50 classes of cattle, sheep, horses, goats and pigs have been inspected by an army of judges - including one from New Zealand, the first foreign judge in the shows history.

The event features show jumping and sheepdog displays, heavy horse demonstrations, a grand parade of all the class winners and a spectacular performance by the Jamie Squibb Motorcycling Team.

There were also trade exhibitions, craft and food stalls, a funfair and children’s entertainment.

Among the crowds was the Goodhew family from Ludlow with dad Ian, mum Jenny, and their sons Jack, six, and Ben, three, who were visiting the show for the first time.

Ian said they were enjoying themselves and the boys were looking forward to seeing the motorcycle display team.

“We got here at around 11am and can’t believe how much there is to see,” said Mr Goodhew.

“I’ve enjoyed looking at the vintage tractors and stationary engines and the boys really enjoyed looking at the bulls especially when they were being washed,” he added.

Ken Vine chairman of the Burwarton and District Agricultural Society said he was delighted with how the day was going.

“We were all very disappointed when we had to cancel the show last year but we’ve been lucky with the weather this year,” he said.

“Every other phonecall I’ve had during the past couple of weeks has been from someone saying; have you seen the weather forecast?

“I was quite nervous when it started raining last night but we’ve got a perfect day for visitors and all the exhibitors.”

By Jonathan Wood