Thousands brave storms for county show

In a show of true grit Nottinghamshire folk braved stormy weather to attend the County Show in their thousands this year.

Despite the wind and rain spectators showed up to enjoy hundreds of exhibits including livestock, food, equestrian events and floral displays to name but a few.

But this year the show was definitely stolen by the nine Normandy veterans invited along to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day - when the Allies invaded the French region during the Second World War.

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Adrian Johnston, Newark Showground chief executive, said: “We really looked after them extremely well and were overcome with emotion.

“We had a large, professionally put together D-Day display where visitors could learn of Nottinghamshire’s crucial role in providing high grade oil from the Eakring Oilfield, which was piped under the English channel to the invasion ports.”

A show spokesman said despite the weather, feedback had been overwhelmingly favourable.

He added: “From the excellent food by the showground’s own catering team, Tastes, at the Eve of Show dinner to Saturday’s official luncheon and the President’s lunch on Sunday to the various outlets and Ice Cream vans around the site, there was quality local food on offer to satisfy every palate.

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“In the Food Hall celebrity chefs Rachel Green, Teresa Bovey, Linda Hewitt and Julia Blant performed demonstrations, while Suzanna Starkey, from local apple juice and fruit producers, Starkeys Fruit, was delighted to win first prize for their stand in the food hall.”

The show’s links with its farming and rural heritage were evident this year, as a high standard of entries in all the livestock classes resulted in a magnificent Grand Parade.

Visitors were able to watch the judging throughout the morning before having the opportunity to see the animals close up and talk to the owners in the sheds.

Limousins dominated the supreme beef championships at the show, with the overall title going to Brockhurst Howzat from Doug Mash, of Chesham, Buckinghamshire.

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Male inter-breed champion was the four-year-old Simmental bull, Lisglass Barnabus, from David Donnelly, of Ashbourne, and the Native Breed Championship went to Nottingham Trent University with a 12-month-old Lincoln Red bull, Brackenhurst Saracen.

The spectacle of Heavy Horses always draws a crowd and this year was no exception.

Ernest Bailey & Son, of Cambridgshire, took the Supreme Champion title with their Percheron, with Geoff Robinson, of Upton, Newark, and his Shire being awarded Reserve Champion.

More than 400 entries in the Show Jumping classes resulted in some fine jumping, with Sunday’s prestigious Mattie Brown Stakes won by Billy Twomey of Upton, Newark.

To see a slideshow of this year’s event, visit www.chad.co.uk.

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