They came, they saw – and many of them had a go! The 2014 Royal County of Berkshire Show will be remembered as one which excelled for its particular brand of hands-on entertainment. While the final figure has yet to be confirmed, the show attendance is believed to have exceeded 60,000.
Newbury & District Agricultural Society’s Interim General Manager, Simon Frere-Cook, said it had been “a fantastic couple of days made possible by an incredible team effort.” He added: “I have never before seen queues of people waiting to see the livestock. That says so much about the success of our mission to bring countryside to the community and educate the next generation.”
Show Chairwoman Rhona Tucker said that the show had left her with “a warm glow”. “There were so many great moments but perhaps the most magical for me was pinning rosettes on the heavy horses – it is so very British.”
President Zoe Benyon added: “For me, it was the immense pride on the faces of the people who had won livestock prizes. But it was also very satisfying to see so many happy families enjoying the massive range of entertainment.”
Footfall was strong in the food, crafts and flower tents, with exhibitors reaping the rewards. Artist Arleen Wild from Cane End, said: “I’ve been coming to Newbury for six years, through some tough economic times, and this has been the best yet. People are starting to feel positive again and to spend their hard-earned money. They’re not going crazy, but are making some quality, considered purchases.”
Amongst the big talking points in the cattle classes was the success of Geoff and Anthea Daw from Avebury in winning the supreme dairy championship with Jubilee Excitation Cere 2 – their only personal entry at this year’s show. There was also success for Woodstock-based Glympton Farms as Aberdeen Angus breed champions and also Supreme Interbreed Beef Champions
This year’s show was the first in which exhibitors in the cattle classes had the benefit of much extended facilities under one large tented roof as a precursor to the showground’s planned longer term permanent building. It meant that the public had much more space to see the cattle being groomed to perfection, and the whole judging process has been speeded up. The cattle team said it had undoubtedly put the local show into the top five nationally in terms of its livestock facilities.
Poultry chairman Mike Hatcher was delighted by the public reaction to a much enlarged bank of entries. “We have seen so many mobile phone pictures taken by people who wanted to go away and keep poultry with their own rare breeds,” he said.
A substantial number of families came through the gate this year, drawn to the ‘have a go’ opportunities. Helen Bartlett was enjoying the show with her husband and two young children. She said: “We are regulars here, but only come when we feel there is enough new stuff. This year definitely qualified – we love the new army zone and mini farm. My husband and I spend the morning shopping, and the afternoon is for the kids.”
‘Have a go’ highlights ranged from becoming a chef in 20 minutes to driving a 4x4, and from riding a Segway to playing steel drums. Amongst the most popular attractions were the vintage and modern agricultural machinery, with a GPS tractor driving experience in high demand.
