Ashover Show - A grand day out

[Steve Maskery]

I'm a Townie, but I did grow up semi-rurally, chickens in the field next to our house, cows and sheep in the field behind our house, pigs next-door-but-one.

It's years since I went to the Ashover Show, any agricultural show, actually. But today I fancied a dose of the countryside and so off I went. I got there by about 10 and had no trouble parking. Found a seat and watched some prime animals getting judged.I'd forgotten just how big and varied these animals can be.

The sheep just wanted to show me their bottoms,

but I did get one or two from the front

And they start 'em young

 

[Steve Maskery]

Horses too

And some beautiful poultry, really stunning. Again, more bums than faces on show, unfortunately.

One of them laid an egg before my very eyes. Indeed, they had all been busy

 

[Steve Maskery]

Machinery

A very nice display of stationary engines

There were a few vintage cars

Falconry, Brass Band, Rides and Punch and Judy for the kids

There was an excellent food tent, the pleasure of which was marred by some ankle-biter treading on my toes. Twice. I tried a couple of things I'd never eaten before, Biltong and Zebra. Apparently they farm them in Ireland. Really delicious, as sausages, anyway.

By half-past one I was beginning to feel the sun, so I went for a pint. A bit miffed that the landlord wouldn't serve me with a proper glass, I had to have one of those squishy plastic things. I told him I wasn't going outside, but even so, apparently they can't wash glasses today so it was plastic or nothing. I rather wish I'd walked out, there are other pubs. But at least the beer was good.

I did consider going back for round two, but came home instead. No stamina, some people. I was glad I got there early, they were queuing for miles, or a least as far as the eye could see, to get in this afternoon.

All in all a Grand Day Out.

Cracking cheese, Gromit.

 

[Paul Chapman]

Those horses look majestic. Nice day out.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Steve Maskery]

It was indeed. It was the sort of day that makes you want to become a sheep farmer and keep a few chickens.

Actually both my NDB1 neighbours keep chickens and one of them also has a goat. Not really what you expect in a neighbourhood like mine.

 

[Max Power]

That's my idea of a good day out . Love to see all the animals on show especially the Shire and Clydesdale horses.
Strange thing to farm Zebras as were not a horse eating nation and most people will associate Zebras with horses

 

[Racers]

I tried farming zebras once, but I think I was planting them too deep.

Pete

 

[gregmcateer]

Some great pictures, Steve. Looks like it was well-worth the visit. Thanks for sharing.

I hope your volunteers were cracking on with the workshop in your absence!!

Greg

 

[whiskywill]

A very nice pair of Field Marshalls.