Sunshine, Sumo Suits, Sheep and Spectators
A “Champion” day of livestock, horses, culture, crafts and entertainment was enjoyed by all at Glendale Show.
The 126th Glendale Show, held on August Bank Holiday Monday, saw thousands of people flock to Wooler to enjoy a rural showcase of competitions, displays and demonstrations.
This year, a number of new competitions and classes had been introduced, and for the first time ever, the show was host to The English National North Country Cheviot Show.
This was a much-anticipated highlight for both Glendale Show and The North Country Cheviot Sheep Society. The competition was held as part of the Hill and Park Type Cheviot classes. In total, across all of these classes, there were 140 entries, with some from as far south as Somerset.
Winners of the 2018 English National North Country Cheviot Sheep Competition was W D Allen of Stouphill, who won Champion of the NC Cheviot Sheep (Hill Type) and Reserve Champion was awarded to Mr A Hutcheon of Hartside Hill for his Shearling Ram. W D Allen of Humbleheugh, scooped Champion with his Gimmer and Reserve Champion with his Shearling Ram in the Park Type NC Cheviot Sheep Competition. 
Speaking afterwards, Rachael Tait, Secretary of the Glendale Agricultural Society said: “There was an exceptional turnout of livestock across the 90 sheep classes and 17 cattle classes, and we were so pleased to see the NCC classes so well represented. It was also great to have highest number of entries ever seen at Glendale Show in the cattle section.”
After parading in the Main Ring in front of the thousands of spectators, the Champion of Champions, chosen from champions across the Donkey, Sheep, Cattle and Equine Classes, was awarded to the Overall Sheep Champion, the North Country Cheviot Ewe.
On winning this, the highest accolade of the day, with his Park Type Ewe, Wille Thompson of W&J Thomson at Hownam Grange, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to receive this award, and of course, it is great to have the English National Cheviot Sheep Show here, today at Glendale, for the first time.”
The recipient of the Lilburn Estates Farming Partnership Perpetual Challenge Trophy, for the overcall Cattle Champion, sponsored by McLaren Engineering Limited, was F McCormack of Greenlaw House Duns, for his Limousin Heifer Homebyers Nidi: “This is the children’s first Limousin and we are absolutely delighted, we have had a great day.” Reserve Cattle Champion was awarded to F Murray.
The Young Handlers Class, sponsored by Glendale Shepherds Supper, saw Henry Mair Chapman claim first prize and Watson Jnr following in second. The Sheep Interbreed Championship, sponsored by Alnorthumbria Vets, handed first prize to W Thompson of Hownam Grange and gave reserve to J & E Campbell of Rosebrugh.
The Carrs Billington Livestock points competition, which awards the exhibitor collecting the most points throughout the show for coming 1st, was Lilburn Estates Farming Partnership, with joint second going to James Herdman from Newtown, Alnwick and W D Allen of Stouphill and Humbleheugh.
The Industrial and Horticultural section, known as one of the very best showcases in the north of England, once again saw a fantastic number of entries and winners:
- The most points in the baking section was won by Pam Jobson.
- The best entry in the basic baking section was given to Mary Laycock, for her Swiss Roll.
- In the Handicraft section, the best exhibition was given to Mavis Clark.
- R Lockhert was awarded the trophy for the most points in the horticultural classes.
- The most points in the floral art classes trophy was given to B Affleck.
Once again, the donkey classes were a huge success and attracted many. Supreme Champion was given to John and Lorraine Rae’s miniature donkey, Frontier Legend Diplomat, and they also took Reserve Champion with Miss Daisy Bouquet.
The Equine Fancy Dress Competition was a truly royal occasion with “Meghan and Harry” taking a tour of the showfield in their Shetland Pony Carriage.
“We really were delighted to see so much support from exhibitors across all of the sections, however this year, it really was a pleasure to have over 70 more entries than last year in the equine classes”, said Rachel.
Throughout the day, there were competitions and awards in all sections. The second Glendale Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Glendale Gateway Trust, was presented to 93-year-old Tommy Swan, who has been involved in the Glendale Show since 1940.
For 50 years of service to S Shell and Son of Brandon Farm, Terry Lowes was presented with a Long Service Award by President of the Society, Lord James Joicey.
Always keen to encourage competitor and community participation, this year the Society introduced two new competitions as part of their main ring displays; The Tug O’ War and the Sumo Suit Relay Race.
A battle between Alnwick and Berwick Young Farmers, the Tug O’ War saw the two local clubs use strength and grit, with Alnwick Young Farmers taking the 2018 title.
The Sumo Suit Relay Race, an obstacle race which included wearing a sumo suit, had teams from four local businesses; Alnorthumbria Vets, Ad Gefrin, H&H, and NFU Mutual, with the whisky distillers Ad Gefrin winning this inaugural event. Both competitions were fiercely battled out and proved to be very popular main ring events.
The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, a talented group of red-coated young riders aged between five and sixteen, thrilled the crowds with their displays of teamwork and excitement.
For 126 years, Glendale Show has celebrated all aspects of rural and farming life and continues to showcase local farming, food, drink, arts, crafts, businesses and community organisations. Described this year by Show Secretary, Rachael Tait, as a “Pop Up Village”, the show once again demonstrated another year of success, enjoyed by in the region of 12,000 people.
Chairman of the Agricultural Society and show commentator for many years is Ronald Barber, who added: “We have had the most tremendous day and thankfully, the rain stayed away, and the sun shone. However, we must remember that essential to the success of the show, year on year, is undoubtedly the commitment to the show from so many people; the exhibitors, sponsors, spectators, stewards and, of course, the show committee. I would like to thank them all personally and look forward to welcoming them all back to our show in 2019.”
For general information please visit www.glendaleshow.com or contact Show Secretary, Rachael Tait on 01668 283868 or email [email protected].
