Crowds turn out for anniversary show

Caroline Davies, from Leominster, with her bull.

Bumper crowds gathered to celebrate the 150th birthday of the Tenbury Wells Agricultural Society at a countryside show.

Nick Champion, the society's show secretary, was delighted with the turn-out on Saturday. "It was terrific," he said.

See our photo gallery below

"There were record crowds and the weather improved throughout the day. The livestock entries did quite well considering all the bluetongue restrictions."

This year's Tenbury Countryside Show even had to move location to a larger site at Temeside Meadows in Burford, near Tenbury, to accommodate the huge celebrations.

Hereford cattle, pedigree and commercial sheep and numerous horse classes took place along with a food fair when 10 exhibitors joined the annual show for their first time.

In the countryside ring, a working crop demonstration featured farming through the ages, along with a display of amazing dancing JCB diggers.

A dome of inspiration, a 60th anniversary celebration of the Land Rover, a parade of shire horses and a grand parade of prize winners along with a presentation of cups entertained show visitors throughout the day.

Other attractions at the milestone event included a range of classic cars and vintage tractors, a steam engine tug of war, and a parade of the Ludlow and Clifton Foxhounds.

Mr Champion said: "The new ground is 50 per cent bigger than the previous venue and the 150-year celebration seemed like a good time to move."

To mark the milestone birthday, a sub-committee of the Tenbury Wells Agricultural Society has compiled a book on 150 years of life in Tenbury and the surrounding districts.

The new publication, priced £14.95, was launched at the show.

The book, which is entitled Changing Scenes, features a number of photographs charting the history of the society.

It will be available from today from Nick Champion's office in Teme Street, Tenbury Wells; Books, Books, Books and Tenbury News. To order copies of the book telephone (01584) 810818.

Meanwhile society members are preparing for the president's ball which is taking place on Saturday on the Tenbury showground in the members marquee.

For more information on the event call Robert and Gill Handley on (01584) 810578.

• For show results go to www.tenbury-countryside-show.co.uk

By Sophie Bignall

Jim Phillips, from Tenbury, with his bull which won first prize.

Hannah Wragg, from Little Hereford.

Harold Drew, from Button, Oak with Tiger.

Barry Gamble from Klent, with George and Banner.

Ponies being judged at the show.