Show goes on, despite the rain
The show went on in Nidderdale this year, despite horrendous weather that saw carparks become mud bound by mid afternoon, and the show jumping competitions and grand parade of cattle fall victim to hours of torrential rain.
The Nidderdale Show was the latest in a long line of events to become casualties of 2012’s disappointing weather, but organisers went ahead with as much of the show as possible.
Show President Alan Firth, who has farmed at Middlesmoor in upper Nidderdale for 48 years, said he was thrilled with the support Nidderdale people and visitors had given the show.
“I think it’s wonderful how people have come out to support the show with smiles on their faces, but that’s Yorkshire folk, isn’t it?
“I am just happy that people have turned out, because it costs a lot of money to put on a show like this and it’s great to have that support.”
Traditional stock competitions went ahead, along with “young handler” classes for junior competitors.
At one-and-a-half years old, Oliver Kirtley was the smallest competitor in the pig young handler’s class.
Oliver, from Darley, competed with his sister Ella, nine, who came second, and aunt Sarah Whitley, 15, who won the class.
Sarah said: “We’ve won loads this summer, it’s good fun. I started competing when I was eight or nine, and Ella when she was eight. Oliver’s started a lot younger!”
The show attracted visitors from across the country, including Sheila and John Brownson, who travelled from County Durham, and said they were amazed to see the show go ahead in such bad conditions.
“We’re having a brilliant day so far,” John added.
Ken Gamble, who is originally from Nidderdale, came from his home in Easingwold to enjoy the show and watch the stone walling competitions.
“I think it’s a credit to the farmers, and these lads walling, that they will turn out in this weather. It would be very easy to stop at home and not bother, so that’s why I’ve come out to watch them” he said.
The show also welcomed Paralympic hero Hannah Cockroft. She visited with her grandfather Ian Hall who is one of the show’s past presidents and still lives close to the showground.
Hannah, who won gold on both the 100m and 200m wheelchair race at the Paralympic Games was born and brought up in Halifax but still has family connections in Nidderdale.
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Weather for Harrogate
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 8 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: North west
