Hiley Website

It's been a strange year weather wise, with alternating days or weeks of sunny weather then torrential downpours.

All fingers were crossed in the valley this week, as several other local shows have either been cancelled or were very waterlogged and muddy.

A field inspection on Thursday gave everyone the go ahead to put up the tents and prepare the ground . . . for the 2024 Loweswater Agricultural Show.

The Valley plays host to The 2024 Show, amidst the stunning landscape of the Lakes.

The morning started a little grey with the hint of a mist in the air.

The forecast was for a dry day but with the high fells and radial valleys of the area, the weather can do unpredictable things . . . we kept our fingers crossed.

The tents, the Show Ring, Trade areas, notices and entrances were laid out yesterday, ready for the visitors.

Today all we need is for the people to turn up . . . and by the time I had arrived that was already happening.

The first job is to head over to the Industrial Tent to place my competition entries.

The "Industry" in question is named in recognition of the vast amount of effort (and industry) people put in to produce entries for the Show.

Ideas have been formulated, materials gathered, articles arranged, food cooked, recipes tested . . . in order to produce the best the valley folk can offer.

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Having placed my entries on display , I could stand back and have a quick view of what the Judges will be faced with in the next few hours.

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CLASS 34 - ARRANGEMENT – “KEEP BRITAIN FARMING” -

CLASS 36 - MIXED GARDEN FLOWERS IN A JUG



CLASS 40 - 4 POTATOES	CLASS 66 - THREE GINGER BISCUITS



CLASS 56 - FOUR PIECES OF CAKE USING ONE VARIETY OF VEGETABLE	CLASS 58 - A CELEBRATION CAKE

CLASS 84 - HOMEMADE MOCKTAIL IN A GLASS



CHILD'S CLASS 7 - ANIMAL MADE FROM FRUIT OR VEGETABLE	CHILD'S CLASS 3 - DECORATED WELLINGTON

A scary prospect ahead for the Judges in the Industrial Tent !

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With the tent closing for Judging, it was time to venture out and enjoy The Show.

The Sheep and Goat enclosures were in full swing and have gathered a good crowd of onlookers as well as farmers.

Owners look on as animals are judged.

The Herdwick Rams are given a close inspection by the gentleman in yellow.

Presenting your animal in the best light is not restricted to competitors at Krufts.

Each of the owners have ensured their animals are in the best possible condition for the show.

There was a whole page of sheep classes based on their breed, age and sex

which included Herdwicks (seen here), Swaledales (another popular mountain breed) Cross-breeds, Continentals and Native Sheep.

My knowledge of makes of cars is better than my knowledge of breeds of sheep . . . but I think these are Suffolks.

I think we can safely say these are Dorsets, up from Whitheaven for a day out at the Loweswater Show.

	- - - o o o - - - Alongside the sheep were several pens of goats This goat on the left was particularly inquisitive. The Judge inspecting a Mum and daughter's two goats. There were six different classes to enter if you wished. - - - o o o - - -

The sound of the Cockermouth Mechanics Band draws my attention

as they accompany the three local churches of Lorton, Loweswater and Buttermere in a Loweswater Show Service.

Across in the main ring the Horse section judging is in full swing.

"Turnout in Hand" classes where the horse is led and not ridden.

The Heavy Horse Class is always popular as it is an impressive one to watch

The owners take great pride in the immaculate turnout of their large horses.

Horse and a foal hiding on the other side, waiting to be called forward for their turn in the judging ring.

He just has to finish with the two who are already in the spotlight.

In the smaller ring further down the field it's time for the Under 16's Pet Dog Show.

The Show President in the mauve dress has the unenviable pleasure of judging this one.

A classic Lakeland Show also includes Fell Running . . . here the Junior Fell Race is about to get underway.

The marshals are ready and waiting for the return of the young runners after their race across the fields.



The last two entries jog into line and they're off !	First home number 73 closely followed by a young lady, number 68.

The blue shirts with the white cross stripe belong to members of the Cumberland Fellrunners Club . . . they obviously have a strong junior contingent.

Likewise the Senior Race also sports more of the same design of shirt.

[ I must admit that due to not having my glasses on, I mis-read the time of the Senior Race and only found myself there after the finish.]

[If anyone has pictures of the Run or for that matter, the Hound Trails competitors and would like me to publish them here, please do get in touch.]

From the Fell Race I returned to the field via the Vintage Display, where there was an amazingly varied selection of vehicles on show.

Just as the fell running club organise their races, the car section is organised by another local, Simon Riley and a willing band of local helpers.

A Lotus Esprit catches the eye due to it's aerodynamic, if slightly dated, shape . . . it looked in brilliant condition.



A beautifully restored Morris Minor, with the bonnet up . . . so you can appreciate	. . . the simplicity of the engine compartment . . . even I could work on that !

- - - o o o - - - Although you can enter in advance most of the cars this year were entered 'on the day' including this unusual 'Morris 8' which had traveled up from the Midlands especially to be at The Show. Now what you really need to complete the scene is to have a couple of blonds to drape themselves next to the cars to draw maximum attention. - - - o o o - - -

Will these two do ?



On the back row but never shy of coming forward . . .	. . . a triple carburetor, straight six AC Cobra, presented in wonderful condition.

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There was also a display of Stationary Engines

all of which were fired up and working.

These engines were the first to reach the farms in the olden days.

They provided power before the advent of tractors.

They could pump water,

turn machinery for harvesting, work conveyors and

there was even one here spinning a hand 'fret saw'

of a type that I used as boy to make jigsaws.

No great sign of health and safety in those days.

No guards, barriers or notices . . . you were just told to be careful !

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The weather's holding up, you might even say improving (but I'll say that quietly so as not to tempt fate).

Any youngsters want to play ball games, please gather here in a few minutes.

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The small ring behind has developed a crowd . . . it was the start of the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.

Starting with the youngsters, where the boys and girls seem to compete on equal footings.

For those who are not familiar about the rules, the competitors must lock their own hands behind the opponent's back and wrestle them to the ground.

The loser is the first to hit the ground or to lose their hold . . . it is a test of balance as well as strength.

Best of three 'falls' is the winner.

Here the first second and third in their age group are awarded their rosettes . . . and prize money.

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The next group of competitors is a large one,

and if the Club photographer wants a picture here

she'll need a wide angle lens !

It was lovely to see one of the lads fitted out in a classic wrestling outfit.

Historically it would be Long Johns with shorts to protect their modesty.

'JA' is presumably his name and 'CW' represents Cumberland Wrestlers

but I'm open to correction on that.

Full marks for the designs drawn on the outfit too.

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Now that Avian Flue in birds is less of a problem, The Show was able to welcome the return of the Fell Falconry Group.



This was a beautiful Eagle Owl.	The Barn Owl can see me whether he faces this way . . .	. . . or when he turns his body completely round.

Apparently barn owls can turn their heads 270 degrees side to side and 90 degrees up and down. To achieve this they have 14 vertebra in their necks where as a human only has 7.

Thanks to the Fell Falconry team for their explanation.

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Next to them was the Poultry Tent.



An colourful display of potential prizes available for winners today.	The tent was full of birds of all shapes and sizes.

- - - o o o - - - The egg in the last photo did not relate to that bird in the cage above, it was part of a competition for a display of one (or three) Hen or Bantam eggs. This competition, unlike the one in the Industrial Tent, was based on whole eggs (not their contents). The critical aspect was the true shape of the egg and the consistency of size and colour across three examples. - - - o o o - - - Around the marquee was a really varied selection of farm poultry which represented entries in about thirty different categories. - - - o o o - - -



There were birds, the like of which, most people had never seen.	Some were soft and fluffy, others adopted a more 'lived-in' look.



There were the noisy ones who didn't care a quack . . .	. . . and the quiet, almost serene ones, who just stared back.

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The marquee on the other side of the Poultry tent was the Craft Tent, where smaller producers could display their wares.

This is a great opportunity for hobbyists to turn their passions into a business.

Every sort of present, card, jewelry, ceramics, place mats, soap or pictures can be purchased direct from their designers or creators.

It tends not to include food or perishable items.

For that you need to move across the show ground to the Trade Stands area.

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This is where you can buy food and drink

to keep you going on your busy day at The Show.

You may want a pancake filled with cheese and mushrooms

or simply coated in lemon and sugar.

For a more substantial lunch you may be tempted to buy a burger and chips.

Here you have a choice of Herdwick, Wild Boar or,

don't ask, a 6oz Zebra Burger.

If Herdwick burgers come from Cumbrian Herdwick sheep

which part of the world do zebra burgers come from . . . I really should have enquired !

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Helen's Herbs will supply your every need with potted herbs to grow in the garden or on your windowsill.

She has extended her range to shrubs and rather nice looking farm vegetables.

The Mawbray Cheese Company caught my eye, with their unusual display of home made cheeses.

Cows, sheep and goat cheese, incorporating within, or coated with herbs, spices and fruit such as cranberries . . . the varieties seemed endless.

In the Trade Area there were also the stands belonging to sellers but also special interest groups.

Here you could buy binoculars, see wooden relief maps, support the Air Ambulance, lean about Squirrels or Curlews, Rivers or Woodlands.

The Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team were out in force to show people their rescue equipment and to impart mountain safety information.

Both these two, the Air Ambulance and the Rescue Team will hopefully benefit from the sale of my 2025 Loweswatercam Calendar on sale from today (more of which below).

All this walking about has made me hungry again . . . how about a Curly Whirly made from doughnut mixture ?

	- - - o o o - - - In the afternoon The Cockermouth Mechanics Brass Band were performing once again. in their tent at the opposite end of the field. Click here or on the adjacent picture for a short musical video. If you opt for a full screen version then press Escape to return. . . Their performance ranged from Classical Music to Show Time in a wonderful range of tunes to the delight of their many attentive listeners. [My video also includes a few words from the 2024 Show President, Jan Evans] - - - o o o - - -

Close by the Beer Tent was the Dog Ring . . . for competitions involving Working Sheep Dogs and Hound classes.

Sadly the one victim of the recent poor weather this week was the Show's Sheep Dog Trials, as the bottom field closer to the river was still slightly flooded.

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The Event Programme highlighted the commencement

of the Carriage Driving events in the Main Ring

One of the great things about these local Shows

is the number of local people you meet as you walk around,

people you don't see on a normal day to day basis

but when you meet, you instantly catch up on events.

This is probably the same with dogs

as Dylan and Dougal met up with various acquaintances.

This retriever was Bracken from Lorton

(rather than their other friend Bracken from Lamplugh).

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Eventually we did find ourselves over by the Horse Ring once again.

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The carriage racing is good fun . . . the horse and riders negotiate around the cones,

with points being deducted for hitting the gates and thereby dislodging the tennis balls from the top.

The event is suitable for young, newly experiences drivers . . .

. . . but the rules are the same for those experienced ones at the other end of the age spectrum.

There doesn't seem to be any class divides for type of horse or carriage in this Show.

Here a heavy horse is drawing a four wheeled carriage but there were lighter buggies with just two wheels.

The important thing was to compete against the clock without incurring faults for hitting the obstacles.

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As the afternoon went on the wrestling continued, as they worked their way through the age classes.

We turned from the horses on one side to the Cumberland Wrestling on the other.

Here the older lads are just clasping hands, ready to wrestle.

When they are competing there's less chance of catching a clear photo because at times they can move very fast.

The referee judges the hold and the nature of the 'falls' . . . . there's no instant camera replay on this one !

This is the "Senior - All Weights" final . . . full of strength, balance and skill.

Their whole bodies and importantly their legs are used to both remain upright and also to overbalance, trip or topple your opponent.

An official photo of the finalists . . . the Show Web Site or the Club pages should provide the names of winners.

[ Why is it that that every photo she took seemed to line the competitors up a different angle . . . the groups always managed to have their backs to me, wherever I was standing ]

I did however, manage this group photo of visiting competitors from Brittany and Iceland.

We've seen some of these groups before as they venture over on holiday in order to compete in these local Cumbrian competitions.

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Nearly the end of the afternoon and it's time for the Grand Parade and Presentation of Prizes.

The horses line up and walk forward for their Winner's Cups.

The compares for the day were the Glen Tubman Team who announced the winners in turn.

Prizes were awarded by Jan Evans, the Show President for 2024.

Some cups were easy to hand out . . .

Some she had to reach up a little higher.

When it came to the cars she often had to reach across the passenger seat to make the award !

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Four o'clock and the show is starting to draw to a close . . .

The Industrial Tent has been open since lunchtime and we get chance to see the labours of our industry.

Who's won the prizes, did he or she beat me this year, did I win my class ?



Well I'm still the Master "Bread Machine" Maker . . .	. . . and I won on the "Small Handmade Wooden Object"



The Limerick Competition saw stronger competition . . .	. . . the subject this year was "The Olympics".



The winner of the "Sporting Photo" was well deserved . . . but it wasn't me.	I did get a "third" in the "Feathered Friend" category !

The Marquee was a great place to brag about your success as this young lass did when I was taking photos.

She was pleased to point out her prize winning Pizza and she was rightly proud too.



THE “MILDRED CHAMBERLAIN” CHALLENGE CUP goes to Susan Todd awarded to the exhibitor gaining most points in the Industrial Section.	and a Plate for Pam for success in the Flower Section. Our Vicar, seen here, won a Prize Bowl for the "Best Mocktail" competition.

Perhaps Barbara will use the recipe once again to fill the bowl when she gets home . . . cheers !

The Industrial tent closed with the final awards for the "Best in Show" for flowers, jams, cakes, for the children's classes and the remaining competitions.

The weather has held off, we've had a dry but very busy day . . . and the field is still in good enough condition for the farmer to put the animals on it again in a day or two's time.

A big thanks, as the President said in her speech (see video), for all the committee, the helpers and volunteers and the business and trades people who supported The Show this year.

Finally a big thank you to you the visitors and to the Hope Family for use of the field . . . Here's to next year . . . once we've all recovered.

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POST SCRIPT :

My photos of the day made it into the local paper, The Times and Star.

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Technical note: Pictures taken with my Panasonic Lumix Gx8 (with telephoto) or my iPhone 11pro mobile phone camera.

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

This site best viewed with . . . twice as much time in your day.

My latest fell walk - 22nd - 26th August 2024 - A Wet Few Days

A previous time up here - try the 18th September 2003 The Loweswater Show 2003

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Fancy remembering local events like this for the next twelve months ?

= = = Launched at thThe Show, 1st September 2024 = = =

Your chance to have your favourite web site pictures

hanging on your wall all year round

and to support a good cause.

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" We've done it again.

We've brought you twelve months of Loweswater pictures,

Lakeland scenes and your favourite mountain dogs."

Yes . . . The 2025 Loweswatercam Calendar is now on sale

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Click here or on the photos

for full details of how to ORDER YOUR COPY.

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Select a date for archive pictures from the Shows from previous years - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2017 - 2018 - 2022 - 2023

(There was no Show 2019-2021 due to poor weather then Covid)

Click here for the official Loweswater Show Website