KILDALE SHOW
Saturday 1st September 2007
Report and pictures kindly supplied by Robert Lappin.
Following last years atrocious wet weather conditions the weather clerk salved his conscience this year by providing a glorious sunny day, with only a slight modicum of cloud during the afternoon, preceded by a dry week before hand. Possibly he was also paying tribute to the Show President, Mr Peter Scrope together with his wife Penny of Langbaurgh Hall, Great Ayton, who do their bit to save climate change by generating their own electricity with a wind turbine connected to the National Grid. Whatever the reason this pre show and show day weather was very much appreciated by the show officials and visitors. An almost record breaking number of visitors rolled in to enjoy the show and weather in this picturesque surround.
Unfortunately the highly popular sheep classes, indigenous to this area, had to be cancelled due to the recent foot and mouth outbreak, but they did go ahead with sheep dog trials using sheep on their own land and Alison Dent, the show secretary was given special dispensation in a letter from Defra to bring along one sheep for a sheep agility trial.
The backbone of all agricultural and horse shows is the competition in the various classes and the exhibits in the marquees and areas housing these events were well scrutinised by experts, competitors and visitors. These included the farm produce, baking, preserves, floral art, handicrafts, photography and garden produce classes; children’s classes, children’s pet show and fancy dress competitions; rabbits, poultry, ferrets and dog classes; classic cars, vintage tractors, motor cycles and agricultural machinery. Also in competitions of their own were sheep dog trials, hound trails, terrier trap racing and two fun runs, a 1 km under 10 year old and a 3km cross country race for the over 11 years old.
The equestrian events, 46 classes competing for over 30 trophies and shields, were held in four rings and were well supported. The Ray Addison Memorial Supreme Championship Shield for best in show horse was won by 12 years old Alice Douglas of Barnard Castle on Storm
Not withstanding the traditional crafts and events, Kildale show always provides a wide variety of special attractions, wider than many larger shows, to entertain visitors. This year two new events were introduced, the Teesside Kurdish Dancers and the Great North Clog Morris (North West) Dancers.
The former Troupe was established 2 years ago in Middlesbrough by Kurdish immigrants. This group consisted of 7 males but traditionally would consist of male and female dancers and can be as large as 25 dancers. The dances all have a story behind them, relating to life in Kurdistan, and are usually danced at celebrations and festivals. During their demonstration members of the public were invited to dance with them, to the delight and sometimes amusement of the spectators and dancers alike.
The Great North Clog Morris (North West) Dancers were established in Darlington in 1998. Most dances originated in Lancashire and Cheshire and were originally processional, danced in North West style, traditionally using clogs. Their two demonstrations of energetic, colourful dancing were loudly applauded.
The ever popular Uncle Mal enthralled youngsters with his amusing crazy world
of magic displays. Two excellent displays of flying by five birds of prey were
given by the Birds of Prey centre
from Sion Hall, and the children’s
fancy dress, children’s pet show and dog show attracted much attention.
Visitors were treat to a display of sheep agility by the show secretary, Alison
Dent, who had patiently trained a sheep to jump hurdles, go through a tunnel
and ride a see-saw. Various rides and sideshows also provided fun of the fair
entertainment which included including a bouncy castle, bungee ropes, magic
carpet slide, swing boats, face painting, tombola and the traditional coconut
shy with real coconuts as prizes. Also various trade stands provided goods for
sale.
All the above were supplemented by a refreshment tent, an ice cream van and
a beer tent. .
The proceedings were enhanced by an almost continuous varied programme of music by the Northallerton Silver band and a beer tent, ice cream van and refreshment tent provided much needed sustenance on the warm day.
Mrs Alison Dent the show secretary said that the show had been a great success,
although main tent entries were slightly down but visitor numbers were high.
The show had been enjoyed by all and enjoyed by all.
