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" The 143rd Loweswater and Brackenthwaite Agricultural Show "

" The Loweswater Show - 2022 "

One of the classic Lakeland Agricultural Shows is held here in the Lorton Valley

with events and entertainment both on and off the field.

 

Date & time: Sunday 4th September 2022, 10 am - 4 pm.

Location : Opposite New House Farm, Loweswater, Cumbria, Uk. ( NY 156 240)

With : Loes and the dogs, Dougal and Dylan and about 2,000 other people.

Weather : A poor forecast for morning rain, but due to clear to sunshine during the afternoon.

                     

 

Final preparations were done, entries sorted and arrangements made in time for the usual 1st Sunday in September (4th Sept).

The Show was held in the Lorton Valley and despite being forced to cancel for the last three years due to the weather or Covid,

the well tested routines fell into place and the Show Ground was ready. Let's hope the weather holds for a  day out at this great Valley Show.

Welcome to the Loweswater Show . . . enjoy your day out, or if you didn't make it, enjoy the photos.

[ This is my personal take on my Cumbrian day out and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the Show Management.]

Several days work by tent erectors and numerous local volunteers

meant the site was ready for the first of the competitors and hopefully a host of visitors today.

Animals varies in size from the large Working Horses . . .

To the smaller breeds, be they equine, sheep, goats, dogs or human.

The professional caterer's tent is up and ready to serve food.

The smaller mobile caterers are also in place and ready around the field.

The fell race officials are building their base for the afternoon fell running events.

The industrious ladies and gentlemen (that's us) of the valley are bringing their competition entries to the Industrial Tent.

Full marks to Catherine and the committee for keeping on top of the paperwork and supervising the displays.

- - - o o o - - -

On with The Show.

One of the first competitions to get under way was the Sheep Dog Trials.

The skill of the dog and the handler were put to the test as they directed the sheep around the hurdles.

Several of the sheep this year seems insistent on hiding in the ditch of the local stream

but eventually they were rounded up and pursuaded into the final pen.

There were no entries for cattle this year due to the Foot and Mouth regulations

but there was an excellent turnout of sheep and goats, on display here in the static pens.

During the course of the morning they were called forward for judging . . .

. . . where their presentation, health, their build and their closeness to breed standards were judged by the officials.

There was a much wider selection of breeds this year . . .
. . . some dressed in specific breed colours to impress.

These were the Dorset Sheep.

   Don't ask me what breed these were . . . answers please on a post card !

Classes were divided into specific breeds like Herdwick, Fell Sheep or Leicesters

or came under the general classification of 'Native' or 'Continental'.

Sheep are judged depending on their sex, their age and whether they have lambed or not.

These are Rough Fell sheep I believe.

Three lovely Ryeland sheep.

Often the entries were for specific groups of two, three or four animals.

This young sheep was a particularly attractive animal

but one that would have needed a lot of love and attention before showing.

They often accuse dog owners of looking like their dogs,

I think something similar is going on with this young lady too.

Congratulations on your show success! We did pop in there and saw your prizes, but didn't see you anywhere, looks like you were rushing about all over!   Thankfully the weather wasn't too bad at all but we had left before it really cleared up, still it was a very enjoyable visit once again!

I am sure someone has already mentioned the sheep but we were talking to both the fluffy ones owners. The black face ones are a Swiss breed and the ones in your other photo are Angora we were told, mum and little ones.

We cannot believe it is Calendar time again and yes we would love for you to keep one for us if you don't mind, where has that year gone!!   Amanda and Bill.

There were competitions for young handlers, as well as the experienced farmers.

. . . and as we moved down the pens I found the classic Herdwick judging going on.

A Cumbrian Herdwick with classic red ruddled coat, providing a fine display.

A first for the Edmondsons I believe.
A second in class for Barbara Stagg.
Andrew Nicholson has picked up awards too.

The prizes are not large,

but the reputation of the farms and the value of the animals is increased following successful performances at the Shows.

The Show gives chance to meet and chat with friends.
The weather wasn't brilliant, but the heavy rain seems to have stayed away.

By mid morning the field was filling nicely with visitors who had also come to enjoy The Show.

In the main ring there's commentary on the first of the horse events.

There were 'walking' classes for all different types of horses and ponies.

The different riding classes were also defined by horse size, type and rider's age.

Each horse or pony had a routine of walking and cantering to follow for the judges.

- - - o o o - - -

To the side of the main ring was a display
of static engines that would have powered
early farms before electricity and modern tractors.

The slow, regular thump of the single cylinder engines is one of the endearing sounds of the show.

In the vintage Section there were entries for classic tractors.

This old Fordson was an important wartime development of the classic pre-war Ford motor company.

This one is a rare example of a non-renovated model that was part of the "Dig for Britain" war effort.

Another great set of pictures - thank you. Also, many congratulations on your trophies/ribbons.

Among other photos, I was taken by the old Fordson tractor which brought back many memories of times spent on a farm with my dad in the mid 1950’s. As an 11 year old I was put on the tractor and with no lesson, required to drive it - the farmer was short of labourers and I was the only one spare. One thing about the tractor that you will notice is that there are two caps on the top for filling fuel into two separate tanks. One of the tanks was for petrol and the other for kerosene. The latter is significantly less volatile and the tractor had to be started on petrol and then switched over to kerosene once the engine/fuel intake had heated sufficiently to vaporise the kerosene.

Best wishes, David Glover, Australia.

Opposite were a fine selection of beautifully maintained classic cars.

An early Princess Van Dan Plas, two beautiful Minis and a series one Land Rover were amongst the collection.

A beautifully renovated Morris Minor caught this youngster's eye.

Another un-restored original in remarkably good condition.

A 1924 Crossley, two years off its hundredth birthday and looking remarkably good.

Its owner donated a similar car to the war effort . . . and and probably didn't get it back, as this is a different registration.

The information sheet offered facts like it only had brakes on the rear wheels
and the "14" horse power performance was 0-to-60 mph in under a week !

Note: the car had a three speed crash gearbox and an unconventional accelerator position in the middle of the three foot pedals !

That would be interesting to drive nowadays.

Loes chose her favourite of the day, a rather nice Bentley Roadster.

- - - o o o - - -

In the adjacent paddock, where there was less disturbance, Fell Falconry had a display of some of their Birds of Prey.

A beautiful Barn Owl flanked by two small owls were amongst more than half a dozen birds on display.

Back on the fields there was plenty to do for the visitors

including learning about the Blood Transfusion Blood Bike Service, used to deliver life saving supplies between hospitals.

The motor bike was particularly popular with the youngsters today.

The Cockermouth Mechanics Band provided some classic brass band music to entertain the visitors during the day.

They also provided the musical accompaniment for the local Church to hold a short ceremony here today,

thus allowing parishioners to both attend a Sunday Service and The Loweswater Show on the same day.

- - - o o o - - -

While the horse classes were progressing in the adjacent ring, the dog judging got underway in this one.

Hardly surprisingly that my eye was caught by this great looking golden retriever.

However the powers-that-be selected four or five different 'pets' for the final judging . . . the brown terrier won.

Time for lunch . . . a doughnut or pancake ?
Perhaps a roll and coffee like Penny,
or a cab full of ice creams like the Hope family?

Or maybe something a little more liquid for you and your mates would fit the bill.

- - - o o o - - -

One o'clock, the judging in the Industrial Tent has been completed, so time to let the visitors in.

The food items have been covered with plastic film to protect the entries so they can be taken home in reasonable condition.

Loes takes a turn at stewarding the displays.

A splash of colourful flowers . . .
. . .  an interesting display of money boxes, jubilee souvenirs and the like.

There were entries for everything from "Mixed Garden Flowers" . . .

. . . to more formal, themed displays such as "At the Movies".

The Children's section had everything from "decorated biscuits"
. . . to best "computer generated book covers"

The photo section had a great response with competitions for "Best Wildlife Photo" and "Photo with Amusing Caption".

Pinned to the wall were the other classes, a photo of "Machinery" and a "Pre-1960's Bonnie Baby".

A deserved winner "Happy Days".

Owls seem a particular favourite this year.
Felted Wool class . . . a first for the picture, a second for the dog.

. . . and a 'third' for this larger display of two Herdwick Sheep felt heads.

I managed a first prize in the Vintage Toys section.
I think the simple spinning action of my Grandmother's toy won the day.

Success too in the bread section . . . "Best Loaf " from brown bread-maker flour.

My Saturday evening cooking efforts to make "Three plain Scones" also turned out to be worthwhile.

The "Home Made Fruit or Veg Liqueur" class had a fine selection of entries.

. . . as did the "Lemon Curd" table.

The tent was as popular as ever with the visitors . . . and the ladies selling the raffle tickets were also busier than usual.

No wonder, with all the fine prizes on offer.
An old Show Catalogue on display notes Mrs Heelis as Show President".

- - - o o o - - -

Outside again the weather still wasn't quite behaving itself,

though neighbours said that it has rained hard further up the valley for most of the morning.

I think we were lucky today as I only once used my waterproof coat to stay dry.

The Carriage Driving classes had a good selection of entries . . .

The fast, cone driving competition
. . . is always a good competition to watch.

The judge makes sure the course is completed in the correct order . . .

. . . and the gates are not disturbed.
Any fallen tennis balls were replaced  afterwards by the steward.

Following the dog show, the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling got underway.

Dougal and Dylan waited patiently as ever.

- - - o o o - - -

The classes started with the youngsters.

The event was popular with the crowds, who gathered round to watch and applaud.

The classes were arranged by age with both girls and boys competing.
The older the competitors, the more technical the wrestling.

The competition involves "holding" your grip, twisting, turning and hopefully knocking your opposition off balance.

The first to hit the ground loses the round . . . and the winner is decided on the best of three 'falls'.

- - - o o o - - -

Whilst the wrestling and the horse competitions were running, the working dog, trail hounds and the fell racing competitions

were also being held on different parts of the show ground.  Sadly I couldn't be everywhere so apologies for not including all the events.

[ For those looking for the popular Poultry Tent, that too was missing, a victim of the Bird Flu epidemic.]

- - - o o o - - -

While I was watching the wrestling I suddenly noticed a decorated sheep walking past !

This was the Meadley entry for the "Fancy Dress Competition".

The parade was for "Horses (mounted or un mounted), Dogs or any other Animal or Human"

" Chose your own theme."

The "101 Dalmatians" entry was well thought out, even down to the velcro spots for the horse.

The commentator (Mr Tubman junior I believe) interviewed each of the entries.

Last man (?) into the ring was this fine Unicorn.

- - - o o o - - -

What's that above New House Farm . . . a rainbow.

The expected improvement was late but dramatic when it did arrive.

The rainbow was also seen in Loweswater by fellow photographer Jenny Harper.

Suddenly the field was bathed in sunshine and the mist covered fells cleared as if by magic.

It must have been that nice unicorn that made it happen. 

I felt that I should run round and re-take lots of photos to reflect the weather, but sadly my battery was running out   ;o)

Time for the Grand parade and presentation of trophies . . . one for that well turned out Morris Minor we saw earlier.

The "Best in Show" Vintage Car was awarded a trophy by Jan Evans,

in memory of her late husband Gwyn who was a keen vintage car enthusiast.

Now the weather had improved there was chance for a dry seat and a human snack to keep us going for the rest of the afternoon.

I said 'human' snack . . . you two have had your lunch !

The sunshine brightens the inside of the Craft Tent where you could buy all sorts of hand made items.

There were displays of pictures, cutlery, greetings cards, clothing, cushions and so much more on sale.

After the Industrial Tent prizes and Cups were awarded

there just remained the delightful task of collecting one's entries and any prize money on offer,

a successful conclusion at the end of another busy day at The Show.

- - - o o o - - -

Before you go I'll leave you with a reminder of the atmosphere of the day, courtesy of the Cockermouth Mechanics Brass Band.

Click here or on the picture above for a short musical interlude.

The link will open my one minute Loweswatercam 'YouTube' presentation.

If you attended, hope you had a good day, if not then I hope you've enjoyed the photos . . . do let me know.

Send me an email, or better still . . . take advantage of the offer below ;o)

- - - o o o - - -

Roger,

A wonderful selection and just what I need – I never see any of the Show and so a proper overview like this makes it all worthwhile for me. I will put the link on Facebook and Show Website later today.

Thanks again, Rachel Moore, Show Secretary.

Good afternoon, Roger, from the Canadian prairies,

Oh what fun that was! The Loweswater Show reminds us of small town ‘country fairs’ in Canada when we were young. (A while ago…) Thank you so much!

Your report has tripped a switch for us. We were all set to visit The Lakes, including Loweswater, when the covid lockdown curtailed transatlantic travel and closed tourist facilities in Britain. Oh well, we think that travel is a privilege, not a right, and so we behaved ourselves cautiously in the many months that followed. We’ve been wondering idly when it will be time to spread our wings again … and then we saw today’s Loweswater Cam post and decided it is time to at least start planning, so perhaps we'll meet you at the 2023 Loweswater Show.

In any case we thank you for Loweswatercam — we check regularly for new posts and over the years you have contributed much to our reminiscences of past rambles and plans for new ones. (You gave us some hints on the fate of the Fish Inn, too, when we were planning that pre-pandemic adventure.)   Wishing you fine walks and photographic opportunities.

David and Cathryn Miller

- - - o o o - - -

 

The Loweswater Show Day

again coincides with the launch of my

2023 Loweswatercam Calendar.

 

For the 14th annual edition of the calendar

we have been looking back at the year

to bring you twelve months of

Loweswater pictures and Cumbrian scenes.

Click here to see the full details.

£12 a copy (plus postage + packaging if required)

£1 of every calendar sold goes to support

the Air Ambulance and Cumbrian Mountain Rescue.

Order your copies here

 

- - - o o o - - -

Technical note: Pictures taken with my Panasonic Lumix Gx8 Camera.

Resized in Photoshop, and built up on a Dreamweaver web builder.

This site best viewed with . . . tired feet from a full day at The Show.

Go to Home Page . . . © RmH . . . Email me here

My latest Loweswatercam walk - 12/13th Sept - Stuart and Hazel's Mellbreak

Next event, the launch of the - 4th Sept 2022 - 2023 Calendar Offer . . . hot off the press and on sale now !

- - - o o o - - -

Click here for archive pictures from the Shows - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2017 - 2018 - 2022 - 2023

(There was no Show 2019/20/21 due to the weather and Covid)

or here for the Loweswater Show Web Site to see this years results or plan next year's visit.