Show makes a glorious return (From Western Telegraph)

Show makes a glorious return

THE feel good factor returned to Pembrokeshires farming economy this week when the County Show made a glorious comeback.

Show secretary Barry Vaughan described it as one of the best in the events history as exhibitors and visitors turned out in force to give their support after last years forced cancellation.

We hope the success of the show is a good indicator in terms of a brighter future for the Pembrokeshire agriculture industry and the countys economy in general, he said.

For show president, Len Thomas, it represented the farming industry rising from the ashes.

This show reminds me of the tiny calf, Phoenix, which was saved from slaughter during the foot and mouth crisis last year, he said. The exhibitors have made the event for us and the visitors have also come in droves.

The success of the show is all credit to the excellent show directors, the loyal band of stewards and the support of our many sponsors.

Wednesday recorded the highest-ever number of vehicles - 11,500. With the car parks overflowing, John Rees, of Poyston Farm, Rudbaxton, opened one of his fields to create extra capacity.

Mr Rees also helped out by allowing 200 caravans to park on land at his farm for participants in the dog agility competition, said Barry Vaughan. This was a huge success and many competitors stayed on at the caravan village until the weekend, having a marvellous time.

Coach operator Edward Brothers also came to the rescue by bussing people from the field, some distance from the showground.

Although cattle and sheep entries were down, the quality of the stock made up for the shortfall in quantity.

Livestock breeders may have been put off by the foot and mouth movement restrictions, but that wasnt the case among the equine community. The County Show is popular with breeders from across Britain and this year it recorded more entries than ever before.

The BBC broadcast live from the show with Radio Wales presenters Owen Money, Roy Noble and Nicola Heywood-Thomas.

They were so impressed with the three-day event that they hope to return next year and are also contemplating television coverage.

As the last of the visitors left the showground on Thursday evening Barry Vaughan summed up the event as a very traditional show.

There were some spectacular cattle and horse exhibits, lots of trade stands and lots to see - from a McLaren grand prix car to comedian and BBC presenter, Owen Money.

q Next years County Show will be held on August 19th, 20th and 21st.

CAPTION

Helen Evans and Steve Gray, with Supreme Champion and Champion Interbreed and Longhorn Bull Linton Beowulf at the County Show. The year-old bull was following in the footsteps of his father who was Interbreed champion at Monmouth in 1993. Picture: Western Telegraph CS33.