by Alan Quick

THE Mid Devon Show, not so long ago voted the Best One Day Show in the UK, lived up to its reputation and staged a fine show at its relatively new stunning home at Knightshayes/Chettiscombe, near Tiverton.

It was only the second time the show has taken place at the new venue and the sun shone on the event, record or near-record crowds enjoying a splendid day of entertainment and activities.

Among the attractions were the Pony Club games, parades of hounds, a climbing wall, slacklining, bouncy castles, a funfair, heavy horses, livestock, Kryton Archers and in the main ring, Jamie Squibb, motorcycle stunt rider, thrilled audiences with high-flying displays.

The Countryside Arena had huskies, hawks, ferrets, owls and so much more!

The Music and Dance Pavilion had a great programme of music and there were also working demonstrations of farming equipment, and many static displays of farm machinery and vintage tractors on show.

The theme of the show was “Firmly rooted in Farming”.

There was a grand parade of livestock and trade stands, which included many local businesses, reported being very busy with callers to their stands.

The Long Service Award went to Margaret Yelland of Sandford.

She has worked at Dowrich, Sandford for the past 50 years for the Lee family. Tasks included planting potatoes, pulling swedes, milk recording and milking and other farm and household duties.

Local exhibitors fared well, none more so that John May of Priorton Barton, Crediton, who took the Champion Devon title to win the "Crediton Courier" Perpetual Challenge Bowl with his bull, "Boskenna Donal”.

A Devon Air Ambulance took one man away from the scene to hospital after he was taken ill during the show. The show charity was the Devon Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs New Building Fund at Cheriton Bishop.

• See more pictures in this Friday’s Crediton Courier.