This year's Whittingham Show was a wonderful day for the people of Whittingham – the sun eventually shone, the crowds turned up and the Exhibition Marquee had a record number of entries.
Despite the heavy rain, local people brought their entries to the Show Field by 10.30 am for judging. They brought cakes, jams, breads, flowers, vegetables, photographs, knitting, patch work quilts, scarecrows and paintings – all baked, crafted or grown by themselves. The Show committee was amazed at the turnout considering the bad weather, in fact the number of entries in the Exhibition Marquee increased from last year’s total of 730 to 870 an exceptional 20% increase and a ten year high.
The judges commented on the very high quality of the entries in all Classes, in particular – Jill Blythe (Industrial Section) thought the breads were some of the best she had ever judged; Norman Laidler (Horticultural Section) expressed his pleasure at judging such high quality flowers and vegetables and the Gladioli entered by Tommy Swan were worthy of a National competition; Mary Scott (Photographic Section) commended the standard of photography saying there were some stunning photographs which displayed a high level of skill.
The sun came out in the afternoon and on the Show Field, the Dog Show attracted a large audience as dog owners proudly paraded their pets.
Athletes had travelled from the Borders region of Scotland to compete in the only Open Athletics competition in Northumberland and were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd.
There were many colourful stalls, trade stands and charity stalls. A long queue developed at the Archery Ring where the Kirknewton Archery Society gave people a chance to try their hand at Archery and be one of Robin’s Merry Men for a few magic moments.
The Sheepdog Trials were a great success with the judges being very impressed at the high standard of skill of both handlers and dogs.
Ian Blakey, the new Show Chairman wishes to thank all those who helped put on the show, without whose commitment the show could not take place and was also delighted and very proud of the enthusiasm of the villagers who made their flourishing village show so special.
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