VIDEO: First Mid Devon Show of the Decade Draws Thousands

CONDITIONS were perfect for a record breaking 2010 Mid Devon Show as once again, thousands flocked to see the best of what our area has to offer.

From trade stands, crafts, flowers and motorcycle stunts there was something to suit everybody, as well as judging of cows, sheep and other farm animals.

Despite the show being its 17th year, organiser Carolyn Branton said that organising the day doesn't get any easier. She said: "Every year there is more and more going on, more legislation to contend with, and more people coming as it increases in popularity.

"The weather hasn't been so bad this year unlike last year when it was a little bit scary. We've had the occasional shower in the run up to the show and most of the heavy downpours have been elsewhere in the county.

"It's ideal show weather, and we hope to break records for the number of people here today. In 2008 we had 16,500 people here, but I've been told the car park is filling up so it looks promising."

Show President, Lord Ivar Mountbatten who lives at Bridwell Park in Uffculme added: "It's a wonderful honour to be president today. It's a fabulous day, the weather is perfect - if it is too nice everyone goes to the beach, but today it's quite cloudy so they have come here instead.

"I've been to see the pigs, I've learnt an awful lot about cattle and a lot of other things along the way and it's been really good fun.

Times Change, But Needs Don't

THE Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year was chosen as the 2010 show charity.

The charity provides welfare advice, care and financial support to retired and working farmers and farm workers who suffer through hardship, illness, accident or injury, or as a result of unexpected events such as an outbreak of animal disease.

RABI's regional officer Philippa Spackman said: "We hope to make the public know a little bit more about farming, and the problems that farmers can have.

"The overall mood of the industry is tremendous and as you can see from the show here today people are very optimistic,  best livestock, best show stands, it's world class.

"But, for every farmer who is finding the going good, there will be some who are finding it very tough, and we are there to help those who are struggling."

While people were out collecting for RABI throughout the day, the charity had its own stand where competitions were held to guess the name of a plastic painted cow, and asking people to look at strange agricultural tools and guessing what they are used for.

Show President, Lord Ivar Mountbattern added: "Farming can be a very lonely occupation, and what is wonderful about these shows is that it brings the whole farming community together, and RABI do a fantastic job in supporting farmers who may not have the support of other charities to fall back on."

Best of the South West's Livestock

THE best livestock from across the South West were on show at this year's Mid Devon Show, and prizes were awarded throughout the day.

One of those winning was Phillip Beauvais, of Bowden Farm who picked up two first prizes and two second prizes for his rare-breed cattle.

He said: "It takes a lot od dedication and after hours work as I have a full time job and I do this as a hobby.

"I think it's important we keep agriculture and the whole ethos of it in front of the public and the Mid Devon Show is a good example of that.

"It's a good family show, and it provides good publicity for cattle, sheep, and all the other breeds here in the UK."

Andrew Reed, from France Farm won a cup for the best commercial lambs added: "A lot of hours and a long days go into the event.

"I've been celebrating my win all day today and I had a pint."

Crowds Flock for Entertainment in Abundance

CYRIL the Squirrel & Around-About Terrier Racing, Jonathan Marshall Falconry, Heritage Hellraisers Dartmoor Ponies were in action in the main ring.

One of the highlights of the show was Moto-Stunts International which wowed crowds as they performed dangerous manoeuvres on dirt and quad bikes. From using ramps to jump over cars, and driving through fire, the group from Brands Hatch in Kent drew an audience.

Tony Bailey who runs the team and was born in Devon said: "It was a fantastic crowd. We haven't seen one this big in a long time.

"A lot of background work goes into our displays. You have to prepare all the machines, build all the equipment, and a lot of unpaid extras.

I asked whether the stunts were as dangerous as they looked. Tony added: "The team have been performing with me for nearly 15 years, and they're still here.

His son Brandon Bailey added: "We've had some really nice people come over and say hello.

"We were here five years ago, and the show was good then, and it's still good now but with bigger crowds."

At the music and dance pavilion Tony Beard once again compared as the likes of Mr Showers the clown and the George Formby Society took centre stage.

Barracuda which celebrate their 25th anniversary since they started playing were back again to give their audience something to dance along to.

Gardens, Cakes, and Crafts all Made by Hand

THE Mid Devon Show offered those with a creative frame of mind to get involved and have a platform to show off their work.

The Devon Federation of Women's Institutes celebrated its 90th birthday, and invited the regions groups to enter a competition to depict one of those nine decades.  

Chairman of Julie Ayre, chairman of the foods crafts and skills sub committee said: " All the WIs put in a display which we judge, and also have a celebration of crafts, and have a stall selling some of our items.

"We've had such a lot of people come to our tent today to see our displays and Country Markets - it's been terrific."

A colourful display and scent greeted people into the flower tent - this years show theme was meadows and grassland. Janet Billing from Tiverton Garden Club said: "We've had two meetings of people interested in setting it up, and then about six to eight of us and then we plan what to do.

"We took the grassland theme so half of our display is a  fields, and then the other half is vegetable garden and flower garden. It's a bit hit and miss as you don't know if it's going to grow or not, but it's all very enjoyable."

Other crafts which were included in the craft tent included Liz Trebble who started lace making in 1978 and now teaches the craft of Honiton lace all over Devon. There was decorative iron work, willow work, and a rag rugger expert showing how best to use potato sacks and old clothing to make serviceable rugs for the home.

More Trade Than Ever Before

TRADE stands made good use of the crowds to promote their services, organisations and clubs.

There was a diverse range of stands from traditional agricultural and horticultural supplies and services, to hand-crafted unique gifts, stylish clothing and everything in between.

The best trade stand in show went to Creative Cow Professional Theatre Company based on a farm in Bickliegh who are promoting their forthcoming show The Farmer's Wife.

Amanda Nott said: "It was quite a hard graft putting it together, but it's all worth it and it feels good to have won.

"We've been working hard over the last month and we've been really starting to put it together at the beginning of this week creating the scarecrows which represent the characters in the play.

Katherine Senior added : "We got here at about 6.45am and it took nearly two hours to get it ready for the show and the scarecrows have pulled the punters in."

The play will be at the end of August and into September and we'll have more details nearer the time.

Another stand which fared well was the Vale Vetinary which won an award for the best educational stand. Sharon Wetherell from the Vale's Cullompton practice said: "It's absolutely marvellous to win. The people at the Vale have worked hard to put on these displays.

"I think we've been here for four years and this is the highlight. I don't want to give any advice on how we've done it as we might not win it next year."

Were you at the Mid Devon Show? What were your own favourite bits? Did you enjoy the main ring events? What was your favourite trade stand? Let us know by leaving your comments below!