There were smiles all round at Great Eccleston Agricultural Show this weekend, particularly on Sunday when the fields were bathed in glorious sunshine. Given the strength of the entries in all sections, and an attendance that topped 40,000, there was plenty for the organisers to smile about. There was a big turn out of cattle on both days - black and white Holsteins and doeeyed Jerseys in the dairy section on Saturday, followed by sturdy beef animals on Sunday. Sheep were well represented with modem breeds on show the first day, followed by the rare and primitive sheep breeds on Sunday. The pigs proved a great attraction, particularly when the young handlers were showing their skills in the 'One Man and his Pig' competition. The poultry section on Saturday attracted a record entry of over 215 birds and more than 100 eggs. Even the informal 'Companion Dog Show', which is held in the Poultry marquee on the Sunday after the hens have left, attracted a record 138 entries. In every section judges and exhibitors alike commented on the exceptional quality of the animals presented, and the friendly atmosphere that pervaded the show.
The Shire horse traditionally takes pride of place at Great Eccleston and this year, with fifty Shires on parade, and up to twelve entries in some classes, it was probably the finest display of these gentle giants to be seen anywhere in the country.
There were some 4,000 entries in handicraft, horticulture, domestic science, art and photography, and the children's section was particularly well supported. The colourful and artistic entries in a new class for the 'Best Decorated Wellie' provoked some comments. With so many demonstrations and displays there was interest and entertainment all over the field. There was an impressive line-up of vintage tractors, and Pilling Jubilee Silver Band was in fine form to enhance the festive atmosphere.
The Tractor Pulling competition has been a unique feature of Great Eccleston Show for thirty years. This year the competition was run over two days to accommodate the large number of entries. The crowds that gathered on the banks round the arena had an exciting weekend with everything from mini dragsters, not much bigger than ride-on garden mowers, to monsters packing nine thousand horsepower.
Tractor pulling is an international sport and the contestants this year included Johnnie van Alphen from the Netherlands and Martin Larsen from Denmark. Johnnie's father, Jan van Alphen, pioneered the sport in Holland and was a regular competitor at Great Eccleston in his methanol-fuelled tractor 'Popeye'. After his father's tragic death in an accident last year, Johnnie bravely resolved to carry on with the sport and rebuilt Popeye. The Show concluded with a contest between the spirited Dutchman in Popeye, Dane Martin Larsen, in his tractor, 'Fox' (powered by a battery of V8 engines), and Brian Armistead in Desperate Dan. In a roaring finale Popeye was runner-up to the winning Danish Fox.
by JM
Original Article Published in the August Issue of InFocus
