A sunny Cheshire County Show proved a hit yet again with visitors to the Tabley showground

Great British Life: Members of the Alsager Company of Archers; Tracy Shufflebottom, Avril Bourke, John Lewis, Emily Shufflebottom, Adam Hidderley (Chairman), Dave Gratton and Martin BourkeMembers of the Alsager Company of Archers; Tracy Shufflebottom, Avril Bourke, John Lewis, Emily Shufflebottom, Adam Hidderley (Chairman), Dave Gratton and Martin Bourke (Image: Archant)

The sun was one of the most welcome visitors to the spectacular Cheshire Show. Crowds gathered in their thousands to enjoy two days of action packed events in the county’s premier countryside show.

The event, which is famous for thousands of animals including horses, livestock and dogs competing in various competitions across the 200 acre site, welcomed around 80,000 people across the two days.

Visitors gasped at the thrilling performance in the Main Ring from Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists, Bold Dog Lings Freestyle Motorcycle Stunt Team and loved the traditional sounds of the Scots Guard Association Pipe and Drum Band.

Other attractions included vintage machinery and the Roberts Speciality Food Hall and Food Live Theatre, which as ever, proved popular with hungry spectators and visitors who were able to sample culinary delights from Cheshire and UK producers. A host of celebrity chefs also attended the event including North West favourite, Simon Rimmer.

Great British Life: Cheshire Forest and the Holcombe HuntCheshire Forest and the Holcombe Hunt (Image: Archant)

Many competitors are regulars, but for some this was their first time. Maria McGuinness, from Maghull, and her Great Dane Monty, ticked both boxes ‘This is Monty’s first Cheshire Show. He has just won in his category, Limit, and now he will go on to compete in Best of Breed. I have been coming to the show for years with different dogs and my granddaughter Eva has been coming with me since she was born.’

Eva Burns, four, who is the same height as 20-month old Monty, loves visiting the show to watch the dancing sheep and hold the baby animals. ‘She’s obsessed with dogs,’ added Maria. ‘She’s my next junior dog handler!’

Tony Garnett, Chairman of Cheshire Agricultural Society which runs the show, said: ‘We enjoyed a fantastic two days, the weather was superb and we would like to thank everyone for coming and making the show such a success. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!’

Great British Life: WI members Eva Palmer and Mary Morris of Prestbury with Sue Chorley and Eileen Spurling from PenkethWI members Eva Palmer and Mary Morris of Prestbury with Sue Chorley and Eileen Spurling from Penketh (Image: Archant)

Lunch with the president

The President’s Lunch, held in the President’s Marquee in the Members’ Enclosure at The Cheshire Show, is an opportunity to bring together all those who have contributed to the continuing, and ever-increasing, success of this most popular of county shows.

Hosted by Peter Ford, 84, President of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, guests enjoyed delicious herb crusted lamb from Ladywash Farm accompanied by crushed Cheshire new potatoes, broad beans and peas and a dessert of summer fruit delice, positively packed with fresh berries. There could be no better way to celebrate the best of British farming at one of the country’s best agricultural events.

In his welcoming speech, Peter entertained guests with recollections of the first Cheshire Show he was involved with, 38 years ago, which hadn’t run as smoothly as planned.

‘It was a disastrous first show,’ he said. ‘The catering let us down and the loos let us down. The rest worked well though.’

It certainly must have done, as without those first few people seeking to revive an old country tradition, we wouldn’t have the marvellous event we have now.

The President’s Lunch was attended by guests including the Rt Revd Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead, and the Rt Revd Mark Davies, Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury, who said Grace.

David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire and the High Sherriff of Cheshire, Susan Sellers joined Peter Ford on the President’s Table, along with show patrons Sir William Bromley-Davenport KVCO and Elisabeth Forster, with show chairman Tony Garnett and his wife Pamela. Michael Jones, leader of Cheshire East Council and Mike Jones, leader of Cheshire West and Chester, were also present.