8th September 2010DORCHESTER: Thousands flock to county show
by Anita Harries
People flocked in their thousands to the Dorset County Show, near Dorchester, for a family friendly event that showcased all that is great about the county and its rural communities.
The region’s biggest agricultural show had something to interest everyone, whether food and drink, farming, horses and livestock, crafts, gardening, conservation or the whole host of trade and charity stalls that lined the countless walkways.
Lively ring attractions included the JCB Dancing Diggers who attracted huge crowds with their impressive machines, dancing together and demonstrating their amazing handling and co-ordination.
Pony Club Games, the fabulous coaches and horses, and all the excitement of the scurry racing held the audience spellbound. And elsewhere in the showground there was the opportunity to enjoy ferret racing, terrier racing, gundog demonstrations, the superb Jonathon Marshall falconry, the Exeter X Factors Fly Ball and the mind blowing Adams Axemen. And the fascinating Wolf Man Shaun Ellis signed copies of his book and showed just how wonderful these animals really are.
Over 2,000 animals filled the livestock area.
The fast paced sheep shearing competition, the chance to milk a goat, and the only classes in the country for the special Kune Kune pig all created a first class experience. Over 1,200 horses took part in the 135 competitions covering everything from show jumping to ridden and handling classes, and included every type of horse from Arabs to Shetlands and Hunters to Miniatures.
The Horticulture Marquee housed stunning displays of fruit, flowers and vegetables and the Homecraft Marquee contained competition entries of everything from jams, wines, cakes, art, photographs, flower arranging and even scarecrows.
Children, too, had the chance to shine by creating edible necklaces, garden sculptures, vegetable sculptures, miniature gardens and decorated eggs. The Dorset Food Hall celebrated all that is good about local, regional and British food, with cookery demonstrations by some of the very best local chefs including Masterchef winner Mat Follas.
Over 70 food stalls offered everything from cheeses, local and organic meats, cakes and sweets, breads, vegetables, pasties, and two tempting chocolate fountains.
PICTURE: One of the fabulous coaches sets off on the Coaching Marathon
There are no comments yet. Be the first to add one below.
Add new comment
Return to news headlines
