The Show is held at its traditional site, set on the banks of the River Teign and nestling under Castle Drogo in the Dartmoor National Park, – by kind permission of The National Trust, Mr. M. Malseed, Mr. H. De Ferranti and Miss B. Hayter Hames.
The Committee started planning and organising in September 2011 for this year's full and entertaining programme. In the main ring, which once again, is very kindly sponsored by Helpful Holidays of Chagford, we have The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, who have performed around the world to millions of people for over 40 years. The Imps will have you mesmerised by an unmissable display of discipline and skill and you will be stunned to learn that the youngest performer is only five years old!
In contrast to the revving engines, our second main ring attraction is Bob Hogg and his sheepdog display. Bob has earned himself an excellent reputation for his professional and highly entertaining displays, in which the dogs work sheep, geese and ducks.
The showing classes start at 8.30am in the Helpful Holiday Ring, and following on at 9am in the Pony Field, kindly sponsored by Huish Horseboxes of Tedburn St. Mary are the Children's Riding Ponies and the In-hand classes. The lay-out of the Show gives comfortable access to all sections, making it easy to visit all of the attractions on offer. Take advantage of the level pedestrian walkways and make your way through the Trade Stands and into the Pony Showing Field, where the traditional Donkey Rides are welcomed back this year and Emma looks forward to meeting all the children who want to take a ride. From this field move along into the Cattle Section (sponsored by Mole Valley Forage Services) and Sheep Classes (sponsored by Crediton Milling Co Ltd, Harpers Home Mix Ltd, and Mrs. D. Terry of Belstone) where judging commences at 9.45am with the sheep and 10.15am. for the cattle. Compare the different breeds and see which ones you would like to take home.
Our other Main Ring Attractions include a presentation from the Mid Devon Pony Club celebrating their 75th Anniversary, the parade of The Mid Devon Foxhounds, The Grande Parade of Prize Winning Horses. The Judging of the Overall Supreme Horse Champion takes place at 2.50pm and the ever popular Cavalcade of Vintage Tractors and Cars parade in the Helpful Holiday ring late afternoon. Of course we couldn't forget to mention the high tension and excitement of the terrier racing –by Mr. Ian Brackenbury.
The increasingly popular Pets corner, run and organised Mrs. Julie Mortimore and family, is never short of entries and therefore very much worth a visit to discover which pet looks most like it's owner!
The Horticultural Marquee not only attracts entries from local competitors, but last year saw several entries from Kirstie Allsop, who filmed a craft programme for 2011 on show day. This is always a popular destination for competitors and visitors alike with an abundance of entries from flowers to photography, wine to wickerwork, sewing to scone making and much much more. Liz Elliott-Shircore and her horticultural committee work tirelessly leading up to show day to make sure that all the entries are presented and displayed to the best of their ability.
The huge range of Trade Stands, more than 200, which go from strength-to-strength each year are ever popular. The Traders are spread over the entire Showground, so make sure you don't miss out on that spending opportunity by walking around the pedestrian walkways and following the signs to the other fields on site.
The Food Hall, is in its seventh year and is organised and run by Miss Heather Parr. Local businesses exhibit their food and drink and give tasters and samples to visitors – again well worth a visit!
If you want to sit and enjoy some locally produced talent, rather than locally produced food why not pay a visit en route to the beer tent with our Programme of events to entertain a wide a varied audience. This year we have "Cogs and Wheels" Morris team, "Jumping Out Duo" – Jazz and Easy Listening, Sun Taiko Drums, The Globe Singers, Mariner's Away and "With Nell and I" a five piece electro-acoustic group with vocals. Beer tent entertainment kicks off at 10.45aam.
Chagford Show thrives and is as popular as ever because of the continuous support of our competitors, our visitors and our local community, who provide willing volunteers to assist, not just on show day, but throughout the year leading up to show day. Our adopted Charity for 2012 is The Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Mrs. Susan Powell, a Committee member has dedicated a great deal of time and effort to support the Charity by way of collecting prizes for our Show Day Draw. The Show Committee work together to bring a blend of traditional skills and entertainment to enhance the spectator's day, so hopefully you will go home with memories of a fantastic day out.
Click on to our web site http://www.chagford.show.com">www.chagford.show.com to keep up to date with this year's show day diary of events. Postcode TQ12 8JN for satnav. Enquries: 01647 24306
Sally Hutchings
Show Secretary.