The show included a wide range of activities including livestock (cattle and sheep) judging, equestrian events, archery, vintage car displays, historic and latest spec tractors and farm vehicles, craft stalls and entertainment in the main ring.
Livestock judging for cattle was managed by chief steward Miss Heather McCurdie, including British Blonde, Hereford, other Continental and native breeds along with commercial beasts.
The judging started at 10 am with the prizes for cattle on offer including Junior Stockman, Sid Lloyd Challenge Cup, Peter Harris Memorial Cup, Richard Hassall challenge cup, and Cooper Challenge cup.
The sheep judging, managed by Chief steward Mr. John Clarke, included British Berrichon, British Charollais, Lleyn, Longwool, Shetland, Wilshire horn, Zwartbles, along with continental and native breeds and commercial sheep.
The overall Challenge points cup winner (for the livestock exhibitor gaining the most points in the cattle and sheep categories) was Messrs Fountaine (Hill Farm, Beachampton, Bucks) who had won previously in 2011 – 14. His prize was presented by Lord Plumb, who is a Warwickshire Farmer, and former President of the National Farmers Union.
The Kenilworth show, which recently made the final of the Farmers Guardian top six shows in the UK, has been expanding over the last few years, and with the glorious weather, massive crowds attended to see the attractions and visit the stalls.
For the 1st time the Budbrooke, Warwick-based Church Farm Brewery was running the beer tent and it was a very enjoyable pint!. The Food hall, which had lots of locally produced produce were very busy with lots being taken home by the visitors.
In the main ring, the entertainment included Safe shot and gundog training, the dog and duck show (along with the not to be missed dancing sheep show with its Aussie host), the Kangaroo kid (Matt Coulter) with his demonstration of quadbike jumping and balancing of multiple guests, a display of historic and modern farming vehicles, a parade of classic cars and horse-drawn carriages.
In the craft sections, Mark Begley (Beechwood trees and landscape) was creating owls and seahorses out of spare bits of tree trunk using a chainsaw!
Other wood craftsmen were making chair legs (Max Jarvis), whistles from wood (Richard Cook), Dave Barnard (Master Thatcher), and Pitt Handy who was making reed fence panels.
In the equestrian area, a small jumping course had been set out, and the various age classes took part to see who could jump a round in the fastest time, with no fences down. Sadly there were a few refusals with riders thrown off, but no serious damage was done.
In the Countryside zone, there were British Association of Shooting and Conservation coaches who were assisting people trying out the clay pigeon shooting. There was also a simulator in the main show area. There was also archery, air rifle and crossbow shooting for visitors to try.
It being an agricultural show there were lots of new tractors and farm implements on display, to demonstrate to prospective farmers, along with examples of historic tractors from the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.
In the home craft area, the tent was open from 11 am after the keenly fought judging had taken place for cakes, flowers, decorated eggs, and crafts along with a children’s section.
Now planning is taking place for the 2016 edition of the Kenilworth & District Agricultural Show which will be held at Stoneleigh in June 2016.
