After months of meticulous preparation and perfect weather for the build-up, the stakes were high for this year’s 140th Show. The local press had taken an interest and Show Secretary Maureen Boyren was interviewed on both Radio Cumbria and Radio Lancashire leading up to the big day. No pressure then! Would the weather hold? Yes, another glorious day was forecast. But 24 hours before the show, we were suddenly without a President as Anthony Meanwell was sadly unable to attend at short notice. Maureen quickly contacted Vice-President Jim Bownass, the show’s commentator for 15 years, who had retired from the job just 2 years ago. Jim stepped up magnificently into the President’s role with characteristic enthusiasm and we were good to go – The 140th Show was on!
On the track and up on the fells the temperature was sizzling. The sunshine brought out nearly 70 eager runners for the first event, the Senior 5 Mile Fell Race. Jack Wright, last year’s winner, fought off all challengers to retain the men’s trophy and even managed to finish 43 seconds faster than last year. In the women’s race was Cat Taylor who, to the delight of the crowd, had got engaged to partner Harry at last year’s show during the egg throwing competition. This year she was first in the Women’s 5 Mile Fell Race and then doubled up in the Short Fell Race, wining two brand new awards for female fell runners – The Julia Crowe Trophy and the Yvonne Haddow Salver. To keep his cool, local runner Bobby Gard-Storry, who grew up in Grizedale, ditched his vest and applied his number directly to his chest. It almost worked – he took third in the men’s 5 Mile Fell Race and later even managed second prize in the Senior Egg and Spoon final!
On the track, junior and senior athletes did battle in the heat while the sun-drenched spectators cheered them on and enjoyed their ice-creams. Our very own Adam Crowe was first over the line in the Men’s 400m sprint and was heard confessing, ‘I’ll never get such a good mark again!’ while Carole McNeill aced the Short Fell Race and was the fastest female over 50.
The main marquee looked more splendid than ever as it sparkled in the sunshine. It was full to bursting with exquisite entries of flowers, fruit and vegetables and all manner of home produce and crafts. The floral art was outstanding, with every bloom looking crisp and fresh despite the heat. Spare a thought for our wonderful judges who worked so hard to choose the winners – with 14 Victoria sponges and 18 varieties of unbaked traybake, they had a tough day. In their classes, the children showed off their skills and creativity beautifully too, dispelling the myth that youngsters these days are only interested in their screens – that’s certainly not the case in Rusland. Next door, the local interest and craft tents were buzzing. Happy shoppers were buying all manner of treats, artwork, glass, leather, wool and wooden items and also catching up with local organisations about everything that’s been going on in the valley.
In the ring, the children paraded in their fancy dress costumes, ‘Anything Beginning with B’. Two beautiful ballerinas took first and third prize, with a splendid miniature Bob the Builder sandwiched between them in second place. Adam Atkinson, our excellent new commentator, was less mobile than he should be with a pair of recently broken ankles – he kept the crowd up to date from the comfort from the public address system tower, while Jim absolutely loved being back in the ring with the microphone. Pet and owner lookalike was clinched by Pip and 10-year-old Rosie who’d fashioned a fabulous pair of ears to match her puppy’s. The dog with the waggiest tail was as hotly contested as ever. Jim judged it with the help of a holiday maker who he selected from the audience so they could run away quickly once the verdict was delivered. But he needn’t have worried. The prize went to Bailey, led by seven-year-old Hessa.
Huge thanks are due to everyone who worked so hard to make the show such a wonderful day – to Maureen, the committee, friends and family and all those who get involved. Two anonymous donors allowed us to increase the prize money for the senior track events this year and their generosity is much appreciated. Plus thank you to all participants, young and old, who ran, threw, grew, brewed, baked and crafted – you are the stars of the show and ensure that its tradition lives on. See you all next year!
