LOCAL Crediton-area exhibitors and traders enjoyed great success at this year’s Devon County Show.
Grania Phillips of Colleton Manor, Chulmleigh, with one of her Red Ruby Devon cattle, Colleton Blaze, she exhibited at the Devon County Show. AQ 1589 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Farmers John and Sue May of Priorton Barton, Crediton won a string of rosettes.
Milly Bradley, from Witheridge, exhibited one of her Highland cattle at the County Show. AQ 1600 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Their bull Priorton Yeoman won classes 8 and C13, came second in class C7 and was the reserve champion in classes C6 and C9. Their cow Priorton Blue Lily won classes 1, C1 and C7 and was the reserve champion in class C3.
Emma McIntyre of Sandford Orchards with the winning cider (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
Local young farmer Milly Bradley from Witheridge also saw some success, with her Figgy of Thelbridge Hall winning class 91.
Steward Malcolm Huxtable, 83, from Stockleigh Pomeroy, was marking 65 years of involvement with the Show, first showing one of his brother’s cattle 65 years ago. AQ 1598 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Meanwhile, Sandford Orchards’ dry farmhouse cider scooped a gold medal and the reserve champion title.
Sarah and Megan from Quicke’s of Newton St Cyres, offered cheese samples to show visitors in the food and drink marquee. AQ 1736 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Quicke’s vintage cheddar cheese was crowned reserve champion, and another wheel secured a bronze medal.
A silver gilt winner in the flower tent was a display by Sue Dunn, Pearl Dunn, Claire Devon and Janet Oaten, of Dowland, featuring paper flowers creating a handmade flower meadow in aid of the charity, Papyrus, which helps those affected by suicide. AQ 1706 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Local traders were also out in force with Mole Avon Country Stores, Andrew Symons Ltd and Ashgrove Kitchens having stands.
Mole Avon team at the show (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
The show lasted from Thursday, May 15 to Saturday, May 17.
Andrew Symons, wearing hat, with son Scott to his left with employees (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
Actor Martin Clunes, star of TV shows Doc Martin and Men Behaving Badly, officially opened the Heavy Horse Festival on the first day.
Katey McDonald, Peter Barber and Paul Brimblecombe of Ashgrove Kitchens (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
He is a keen horseman and owns several Clydesdale horses, which he keeps at his farm in Dorset.
Actor and heavy horse enthusiast Martin Clunes meeting the gentle giants at the show (Steve Pope, MDA)
Show Manager Lisa Moore, right, talking to the Princess Royal as she arrives at the show, with also right, Crediton farmer Andy Gray, Show Chairman of Council and Chairman of the Board of Trustees with other show guests and officers. AQ 1867 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
New features including the “alpaca cafe” and family fun zone also had their debut.
HRH The Princess Royal with Crediton-area farmer John Lee OBE DL speaking to young farmers (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
Her Royal Highness Anne, Princess Royal visited the show on the second day.
HRH The Princess Royal watching sheep shearing competition (Steve Pope, MDA)
She is president this year of the Devon County Agricultural Association, which puts on the three-day event.
HRH The Princess Royal being shown prize-winning cheeses (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
She was given a whistlestop tour of the showground and met with exhibitors, traders and organisers.
HRH The Princess Royal viewing the horses (Steve Pope, MDA)
She went first to the pig-judging rings to present prizes, and then spoke with some young farmers before going on to watch sheep-shearing heats.
Victoria Graham from BBC Spotlight feeding an alpaca at the alpaca cafe. AQ 1619 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
The Princess Royal later went through the cattle lines and up to the food and drink tent.
Winkleigh Cider ran a popular stall in the food and drink marquee. AQ 1681 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
There, she surveyed prize-winning cheeses, and spoke to representatives from Exeter College and local Devon artisans.
Speakers during a YFC debate, from left, Jack Tucker, Lizzie Chance, David Fursdon, Harry Pinsent and Chloe Arscott. AQ 1841 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
She also had time to watch one of her own horses compete in the main ring and secure first prize in its class.
A busy cattle ring. AQ 1849 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Meanwhile, Kaleb Cooper of Clarkson’s Farm held a Q&A session in the YFC tent, followed by a book signing and a tour of the farming and agricultural areas.
Deborah Custance Baker of Silverton, third from left, appealed for hobby horses for a world record attempt. Also featured is the 'Black Dog' from an old hobby-horse festival at Morchard Bishop (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
Children entered for free on Saturday, and television presenter Kirstie Allsopp made a special appearance at the crafts and flowers pavilion.
Stuart Woolley of Woolley Animals with alpaca (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
“The weather was truly on our side,” Devon County Show Manager Lisa Moore said of the three-day event.
Andrew Green of Coldridge's 1958 vintage Fordson diesel tractor (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
“Blue skies and warm spring sunshine created the perfect atmosphere, ensuring a seamless setup and boosting public confidence – leading to record-breaking advance ticket sales.
Chloe Marie Aston with her piano tricycle (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
“As an event rooted in agriculture, the show proudly hosted hundreds of livestock and equine competitions, showcasing the best in breed and crowning well-deserved champions.
Cow being hosed down (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
“Early figures suggest that the 2025 Devon County Show may have been a record-breaker, potentially surpassing the 2023 event, which drew 97,000 visitors.
Carriage-driving in the main arena (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
“We are absolutely delighted with the outcome and, as always, extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to making this show the remarkable event that it is.
Devon Air Ambulance representatives (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
“We also want to thank each and every visitor who purchased a ticket. As a charity, all profits from the show go directly toward supporting the rural community.”
Vintage traction engines (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
People browsing the various stands at the show (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
