Tenbury’s Countryside Show was a triumph and a hallmark achievement by the Agricultural Society. Attendance records were broken . Never has the show catered for and met so many different tastes.

Needless to say the cattle classes were marvellous and included some of the (world’s?) very best examples of Hereford cattle.

Quality sheep also featured well Including in the programme finals of the finals of the NFYFC Tug of War championship brought in coach loads of competitors and their very vociferous supporters from many parts of the country.

The show also brought in stands from agencies of most of the manufactures of the very best agricultural equipment. We went from shovels and spades to the huge tractors that more than fill our local roads.

But it was not just the outside suppliers who made the day.

“Locals” were also well in evidence.

Needless to say Tenbury grower Frank Mathews was taking orders for its magnificent range of fruit and ornamental trees, Hobsons kept us well watered using plastic cups that are compostable and biodegradable, and Phil Gibbs Clockhouse was just one of the many catering businesses helping to keep us sustained.

The organisers had done a particularly good job in laying out display areas – even smaller paddocks – to meet many interests and there was one of the biggest ever thrill-inducing slides.

One really impressive features of the show was the size of the main arena. It was not only large but also had seats all around.

During the day it featured demonstrations of bird flying, while two local hunts brought in their packs and invited children to meet the friendly animals.

The drive round of vintage tractors and classic vehicles was one of the largest ever seen and the display of jousting by the Devils Horsemen thrilled us all Let’s close with (another) huge vote of thanks and congratulations to the Agricultural Society for a truly memorable – BEST EVER show.

HUGH O’NEILL

Boraston

Tenbury