by Alan Quick

THE Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs discussed issues concerning farming, the environment and Brexit at the 117th Chagford Show yesterday, Thursday, August 17.

The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, who visited the one-day agricultural show at the invitation of the Rt Hon Mel Stride, Central Devon MP, received a warm welcome and spoke to many people during his two-hour visit.

He met show officers, including president Chris Smallwood and chairman Judith Colton who gave him a conducted tour.

During discussion with local farmers Mr Gove offered reassurances that they are high on the government agenda with regard to Brexit negotiations.

Mr Gove spoke with representatives from Devon NFU, Devon YFC, Dartmoor National Park authority, a local veterinary surgeon and a local non-stipendiary priest.

He visited the food hall, where he met some local business representatives and even enjoyed samples of food and drink and made some purchases.

Other farmers and members of the public discussed with the former Education Minister, topics including subsidies after Brexit and the future for young people in agriculture and apprenticeships and management of Dartmoor and livestock.

Following the visit, Mel Stride told the “Courier”: “I worked very hard to get Michael to find time in his busy schedule to visit this key agricultural event and he was given a warm reception.

“I was really keen that the Secretary of State met those who live and work in and around Dartmoor National Park to enable them to have their say during the visit.

“We need to get the best possible deal for farmers, not least our hill farmers, out of the Brexit negotiations.

“I was delighted that he met many local farmers and was able to reassure them that they remain high on the government agenda during the Brexit negotiations.”

Following the visit, Mr Gove and Mr Stride held a meeting in Chagford with Kevin Bishop, the chief executive of Dartmoor National Park and Gay Hill, the chair of Chagford parish council to discuss affordable housing.

A VERY GOOD SHOW

The 2017 Chagford Show was held in fields on the beautiful banks of the Teign at Mill End near Chagford, the weather remaining generally fine, albeit for a few spots of rain.

There were classes for agricultural produce, horses, sheep, cattle, dogs and a vintage section.

There were more than 200 trade stands, a rural crafts area, a pet's corner, a food hall displaying the best of local producers, a beer tent and lots of live music throughout the day.

The main ring events included not only championship competitions and parades of vintage vehicles and tractors but also terrier racing, heavy horses, Dartmoor Hill Pony display, BMX bike stunt team, dog and duck show, parade of hounds and much more.

Other show features included a sheep roadshow and Tinners Morris from South Zeal.

REVIVAL

There was a revival of a tradition not held at the show for the past 60 years.

The Dartmoor Stepdance Project revived the competition, particular to the Chagford area, where competitors try to out-dance each other on a 15-inch board to a set number of steps.

The step dance competition was won by Christabel White of South Zeal.

The number of competitors in the wide range of other competitions at the show was up and the show secretary, Penny Keen, said: “It was a very good attendance, as good as last year, if not better.

“We were very pleased with how the show went and really honoured to have Michael Gove MP attend.

“It gave farmers a chance to have a chat with him.

“All-in-all it was a very good show.”

Overall horse champion was 11-year-old mare “Misunderstood” owned by Angela Browne.