THE Okehampton Show made a big return last Thursday after an absence of two years, write Sarah Pitt.

It could very nearly not have happened, with Covid still in the back of everyone’s minds, but the organisers were determined to press ahead to give everyone a boost. And they were rewarded with a good turnout, despite the weather, as local people and visitors rubbed shoulders to admire the animals and watch everything from carriage riding to a vintage tractor parade.

There was even an uplifting show song, penned by Trevor Munkenbeck of South Zeal sea shanty group Mariners Away which had its debut at the show.

It was a demonstration of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity - with help from four-legged friends, many of whom were wearing rosettes having been declared champions. And no-one minded too much if it did rain a bit - there was, at least, blue sky by the end of the afternoon, as people trundled home, clutching plants, tired and happy.

Show secretary Alison Heywood, busy on the day, said: "I think it is an amazing turnout. I haven’t got any figures yet but looking at the people walking by there seems to be great support from the local community.

"I have had lots of people coming by saying thank you for putting the show on. People have said it is nice to come out and feel normal again."

She said the entries into the livestock classes were slightly lower than normal but were still good. "The rain could go away but we haven’t had too much, just a bit of drizzle," she added. "People seem to be happy, which is great to see. The directors were determined to go ahead and we felt there were a lot of people who really didn’t want to miss another year. Some of the traders were desperate to get out again. They have supported us in years gone by so it was our turn to support them."

It was a good day for John and Sue May of Priorton Barton of Crediton who won overall interbreed beef champion with their seven-year-old Ruby Red Devon bull Dira Halcyon.

This farming family are celebrating 100 years of breading Ruby Red Devon cattle. Sue said: "We are exceedingly pleased to win the interbreed champion, you never know when you are up against all the different breeds. It is lovely to get back to the show again. John has been a regular exhibitor or judge at Okehampton Show over the years so we are usually here in one form or another."

The supreme dairy champion went to Les Rockett and Abi Marshall of Ebsworthy near Bridestowe, with their magnificent Ayrshire cow Greenway Thea.

"I didn’t expect that," said Les, as they stood in the line-up in the Grand Parade, saying he was holding up well after a 4am start. "The adrenalin kicks in when you are at the show. Tomorrow we will be shattered."

Lots of locals from the Okehampton area had success with their sheep. Among them was Zachary Ley of Tordow Livestock near Okehampton whose Welsh mountain ram, the splendidly named Gordon Lambsey, won best ram in the Welsh breeds. Avril and Graham Reddaway from Iddesleigh also had a good show, with their Barwick Flock of Jacob sheep, sprayed yellow with a natural dye to set off their fleece against their black heads. "They are their show colours," said Avril. "You know how if you went to a wedding you would wear a special outfit? It is like that."

All three sheep they entered were going home with a rosette. "You never know how you’ll do, but we have two firsts and one second, so we are pleased with that," said Graham.

Made-Well, near Hatherleigh, also had a great show, winning best trade stand and best handcrafted woodwork.

Show president John Shields thanked everyone for supporting the organisers in their courageous decision to forge ahead with the show — and everyone for braving the downpours.

"They don’t call us Soakhampton for nothing!" he said. "At least it happened in the right order, we had the rain first and now we have got the sun. I think today has been all the more special because it was in doubt until recently due to Covid. We are very grateful and we hope that you are enjoying everything that the show has to offer. I’m always amazed at the variety of things to see and this year is no exception.

"This is an agricultural show and we must remember what uncertain times farmers are facing. Government support is moving away from improving productivity to rewarding environmental improvement. Shows such as this offer a great opportunity to look at the greatest innovations in farming and we hope these will encourage the next generation of farmers.

"As someone once said, now and again you need a doctor, a solicitor and a mechanic, but three times a day you need a farmer."

He added "a special thank you" to show supporters. "I would particularly like to thank the exhibitors for their hard work in making it such a success, and thank you very much for coming to the Okehampton Show."

Images from the Okehampton Show by Alan Quick